Okanagan Indian Band

• Making Donations to OKIB

  For people and organizations that would like to make monetary donations to OKIB, they can be made in person at the OKIB Group of Companies office in Vernon, located at 3107 29th Avenue, Mon-Fri- 9:00am – 4:30pm. Ask to speak to Tanya Andersen.

  Email Transfer (Interac E-Transfer) Donations:
  
  Please send email transfers to ar@okanagan.org. This email has been set up for automatic deposit and no security question is needed.
  
  In the note:
  1) Comment “Wildfire Relief”
  2) Add a contact email or phone number, and the OKIB finance department will reach out for further information so a receipt can be issued.

  Please note, OKIB is not accepting any donations of clothing or other goods at this time.

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  Community Update: Bradley Creek Wildfire Evacuation Order Partial Rescind

  Update as of 2:00pm, Aug. 15 , 2026

  Effective 1400 Hours, August 15, 2026, the Evacuation Order for an area of the K41351 Bradley Creek Wildland Fire has been RESCINDED.

  All other Evacuation Orders and Alerts Remain in Place

  Please be advised that returning residents will have to access the evacuation order rescind area from the West Kelowna side of Westside Road. Westside Road remains closed to non emergency traffic in the fire impacted area while repair work is ongoing.

  

  

The Evacuation Order Rescind is in effect for the following areas:

·       12400 Westside Road

·       12398 Westside Road

·       12401 Westside Road

·       12392 Westside Road

·       12354 Westside Road

·       12324 Westside Road

·       12354 Coyote Creek Road

·       12356 Coyote Creek Road

·       12309 Westside Road

·       12326 Westside Road

·       12308 Westside Road

·       12303 Westside Road

·       12307 Westside Road

Please see attached map

A WATER QUALITY ADVISORY REMAINS IN PLACE FOR ALL ADDRESSES ON THE OKIB WATER SYSTEM WITHIN THIS EVACUATION ORDER RESCIND AREA

A Water Quality Advisory is in place for all addresses on the OKIB water system within this Evacuation Order Area

A WQA can be for the general population or targeted to people who may be at higher risk. Water quality advisories include specific directions depending on the type of contamination. Please follow these instructions to better protect yourself:

Consider boiling water for at least one minute before drinking, preparing beverages, brushing teeth, making ice, washing fruits and vegetables, preparing food, or mixing infant formula.

Run all cold-water taps for 5 to 10 minutes upon returning home to flush stagnant water from household plumbing.

Discard any ice made prior to evacuation and clean ice-making equipment before use.

Do not consume water that appears cloudy, discoloured, or has an unusual odour.

Water can continue to be used for bathing, showering, handwashing, laundry, and other household purposes.

Residents returning home are reminded that this area has been affected by a significant wildfire. Conditions may look very different from when you left, and hazards may remain on individual properties and throughout the surrounding area. Please use caution, follow any posted directions and do not enter damaged properties or areas that have been restricted.

Returning home after a wildfire

Residents returning to wildfire-affected areas should use caution. Even if your home was not directly damaged, smoke, soot, ash and other hazards may remain.

• Check your property before entering. Watch for structural damage, damaged trees, fallen power lines, sharp debris and other hazards. Do not enter a structure that appears unstable.
• Protect yourself during cleanup. Wear appropriate footwear, gloves and protective clothing. An N95 mask can help reduce exposure to ash, soot and fine particles.
• Replace your furnace and/or air conditioner filter. If outdoor air quality allows, open windows and use a fan to help circulate fresh air. Professional cleaning of ducts and air-conditioning systems may also be appropriate.
• Check food before using it. Refrigerated or frozen food may no longer be safe following an extended power outage. When in doubt, throw it out.
• Be careful with ash and soot. Wet wiping or mopping is preferred over dry dusting, and only vacuums equipped with a HEPA filter should be used for ash.

For information about safely returning to your home after a wildfire, please visit OKIB.ca to review the First Nations Health Authority Returning Home After a Wildfire information package.

https://fnha.ca/wp-content/uploads/migrated/Documents/FNHA-Returning-to-Your-Home-After-Wildfires.pdf

We also ask everyone returning to be mindful of their neighbours. Some homes and properties have been significantly damaged or lost, and families may be returning to very difficultcircumstances. Please respect private property, avoid entering or photographing damaged properties that are not your own, and give affected families the privacy and space they need. Further updates will continue to be shared through OKIB’s official communication channels.

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