Community Update: Bradley Creek Fire Update

Update as of 6:00pm, August 5

Emergency crews continue making progress on the Bradley Creek Wildfire (K41351), but there is still a significant amount of work underway before it is safe for residents to return home. All Evacuation Orders for Okanagan Indian Band IR 1 remain in effect, and a Do Not Consume Water Advisory continues for the affected community water systems.

BC Wildfire has noted Rank 1 and 2 Fire behaviour today as firefighting crews continue working throughout the day to extinguish hotspots near homes along Westside Road and build guard along the south and northeast corners of the fire. As stated in our earlier notice, BC Wildfire is actioning small hand ignition operations where appropriate to mitigate additional fuel for the wildfire between burnt areas and guards.  Aerial resources continue to support crews in fire suppression along the northern flank of the fire.

BC Hydro continues to actively support response, working closely with BC Wildfire Service, clearing downed lines and impacted infrastructure to support crews in accessing more areas of the fire. Work is expected to continue on repairing BC Hydro infrastructure over the coming days and assessing danger trees and damage.

As a reminder to Desert Cove, Lawrence Heights and Coyote Crossing residents, the Evacuation Order including these subdivisions remains in place. The Bradley Creek Fire is still an actively evolving fire response which is not fully contained. Hotter weather in the coming days and potential for dry lightning could lead to an increase in fire behaviour or new fire starts.

At this time there are no changes to Orders or Alerts, and notice will be posted on our official OKIB channels when changes are made and the area has been deemed safe for residents to re-enter.  

DriveBC has announced that Hwy 97 between Kamloops and Armstrong has now reopened as of 12:40pm today, August 5th. A speed reduction is in place for the road area previously effected by the closure and there is no stopping between Head of the Lake Road and Grandview Flats Road. Please exercise caution when driving through this area.

As a reminder, to residents and visitors, Westside Road continues to remain closed for non emergency personnel at this time.

We would also like to remind boaters that it is critical people remember that our aircraft require space to collect water safely and efficiently. Please stay clear of aircraft working in and around the lake. 

If firefighting aircraft are nearby, clear the area immediately and stay near the shore to avoid interfering with operations and to prevent putting responder and public life and safety at risk.  

RCMP and Department of Forestry and Oceans will be patrolling the northern arm of the lake to ensure boaters are complying with the BC Wildfire interference area, and maintaining the Evacuation Order area.

Further updates will be provided as soon as they become available at OKIB.ca