• The August edition of Senklip Newsletter is now here.

  Way’ Members, the August edition of Senk’lip is available to read online. In this month’s Senk’lip, you’ll find community updates, stories, important information, and so much more.

  Read more here.

  

Community Update: Evening Update Bradley Creek Wildfire Emergency Response

Update as of 7:00pm Aug. 8, 2026

Work continues across the Bradley Creek Wildfire response this evening. Conditions have improved, and progress is being made. For the latest information on the Bradley Creek Wildfire, please visit the BC Wildfire Service website: BC Wildfire Service

We know one of the biggest questions from Members and residents who remain evacuated is why some areas that appear safe are still under Evacuation Order, and why residents in some areas have been allowed to return while others have not.

Evacuation Orders are being reviewed area by area because conditions are different across the community. Current fire conditions, road access, infrastructure, remaining hazards and completed assessments all factor into those decisions. In some areas, enough progress has been made to allow residents to return. In others, there is still work to be completed. Each decision is being made carefully with the best information available.

There is also another important consideration. In parts of the community, significant property loss has occurred. We recognize that some residents may know their own home is still standing and understandably want to return. But in many of these same areas, neighbouring homes have been severely damaged or lost.

Before broader access resumes, OKIB is working to complete assessments and, wherever possible, contact affected families directly. Families deserve the opportunity to receive confirmed information about their property privately. We ask for patience and respect for our neighbours and their privacy while this difficult work continues.

We know that is not the answer people want when they are waiting to go home. But these decisions have to account for more than whether the fire has passed. They also have to consider what people will be returning to and whether the area is ready to receive them safely and respectfully.

Westside Road remains unsafe in certain areas. While there is currently good control over the fire, road conditions, danger trees, damaged infrastructure and ongoing assessment work must also be considered before broader access can safely resume.

Our goal remains to return people home as soon as it is safe to do so. We know every additional day away from home is difficult, and we ask for your patience while this work is completed. We will not rush a re-entry decision before the work required to make that decision has been done. A Do Not Consume Order remains in place for all OKIB water systems. Work continues to assess the systems and plan for safe drinking water as additional residents return. Residents should continue following the current water directions until OKIB advises that conditions have changed.

Further information on Evacuation Orders and Alerts, re-entry, community supports and recovery will continue to be shared through OKIB’s official communication channels as it is confirmed.

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Community Update: Bradley Creek Wildfire Emergency Response Update

Update as of 2:00pm Aug. 8, 2026

Work continues across the Bradley Creek Wildfire response as conditions improve and OKIB begins preparing for the next stages of re-entry and recovery.

The Emergency Operations Centre continues reviewing Evacuation Orders and Alerts as conditions allow. Some residents have already been able to return, and additional changes will be considered based on fire conditions, access, infrastructure and public safety.

Returning people home as quickly as possible remains a priority, but areas of the community are still unsafe, and some properties do not yet have the services needed for people to safely return.

Some areas remain unsafe because the danger does not end when the visible flames are gone. Hotspots and heat are being mitigated as they are identified but burned debris, fire-damaged trees and damaged power infrastructure can create serious hazards. Burned homes and properties may also contain unstable structures, sharp debris and other materials that need to be assessed and remediated before people can safely enter.

In some areas, water and other essential services remain compromised, while emergency crews, utility workers and heavy equipment continue working. These hazards need to be identified and addressed before additional areas can safely reopen.

As a reminder, a do not consume order will remain on all OKIB water systems until all assessments can be completed. This means that water from taps, hoses and showers is not drinkable or potable but can be used for washing and hygiene. Planning is in place to provide residents with access to clean drinking water for the time when residents can safety return home.

For Members and community whose homes have been damaged or lost, assessments and direct notifications continue. OKIB is also working through how affected families can safely access their properties when conditions allow. Some areas remain too hot or hazardous for that to happen safely today.

The emergency response continues to adapt as wildfire resources are needed elsewhere in the region. OKIB is working with its own trained wildfire personnel, staff and response partners to maintain progress here while recognizing the significant wildfire activity affecting other communities.

When there is progress, more people will return home as areas are determined safe. But re-entry will not happen everywhere at once, and returning home will not mean recovery is complete. For many families, that work is only beginning.

Further information on Evacuation Orders and Alerts, re-entry, community supports and recovery will continue to be shared through OKIB’s official communication channels as it is confirmed.

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Community Notice: Evacuee Reception and Registration Centres Update

Update as of 12:00pm August 8, 2026

way’ Members,

Please see the attached list below of ESS reception Centres in the region for today, August 8th.

·       OKIB Reception centre at Fairfield Hotel, 5300 Anderson Way, open from 10:00 am to 5:00pm on Saturday August 8th

·       Please be advised that beginning Sunday, August 9th the OKIB ESS Reception Centre will be moving to Creekside Conference Centre – 3310 37th ave, Vernon and will be open from 10:00am to 7:00pm on August 9th.

·       City of Vernon ESS at Kal Tire Place, 3445 43 Avenue, Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m

·       Westbank Reception Centre at Westbank Lions Community Centre, 2466 Main Street, West Kelowna, 9:00am to 7:00pm

BC Services at OKIB ESS August 8th & 9th

BC Service will be at the Fairfield hotel today to help evacuees replace birth certificate to applicants free of charge (including courier service) that have been affected by the 2026 wildfires. Currently, no other certificates are available at no cost.

Accommodation update

·       If you have been provided with accommodation, please remain at that accommodation until your scheduled check-out date.

·       On the day of check-out, please return to an ESS Reception Centre to confirm an extension or new accommodation.

·       Please do not leave your current accommodation before your scheduled check-out unless directed to do so by Emergency Support Services (ESS).

At this time OKIB ESS services in Vernon have limited availability for accommodating transfers from other cities. The OKIB ESS services primary focus at this time is working to find accommodation for those who have not yet registered, as well as those who have an immediate need.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation. 

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EVACUATION ORDER RESCIND

Desert Cove and Antoine Rd. to Wilfred Rd.

Date: August 7, 2026

The Evacuation Order issued for the below area by Okanagan Indian Band is no longer required and is RESCINDED effective August 7, 2026 at 17:00hrs.

All of Desert Cove, 32, 34 & 41 Antoine Rd to Gottfriedson Rd., all residents of Spotted Eagle Dr., Hawhola Rd., Smitken Rd., and Wilfred Rd.

Properties on independent water systems are permitted to return to the area identified above.

A DO NOT CONSUME ORDER REMAINS IN PLACE FOR ALL ADDRESSES ON THE OKIB WATER SYSTEM

An Evacuation Alert will remain in place and residents returning home should be ready to leave if the status of the fire changes.

If a subsequent evacuation is necessary, a new order will be made.

For more information contact: Emergency Operations Centre Reception 250-540-7642.

You can also visit the OKIB Facebook page or OKIB Web page – www.okib.ca or www.EmergencyInfoBC.ca for more information.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:

·     Fill the gas tank of personal vehicles that will be used to return to the area before returning to the area.

·     Bring a minimum of three days of food and essential supplies (e.g., medications, pet supplies) with you as local grocery stores may not yet have adequate stock.

·     If your animals or livestock have been relocated, call 250-540-7642 to coordinate their safe return.

Map of the Evacuation Order Rescind area attached below:

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