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.