Community Update: Evacuation Orders and Water Advisory Remain in Effect

August 4th, 5:00pm, 2026

wayʼ Members,

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.

We understand that many Members want to return home. We want that too. However, before anyone can safely return, emergency crews must complete critical damage assessments and address ongoing hazards throughout the affected area.

The Bradley Creek Wildfire remains an active incident. There are still areas with active fire, hazardous trees, damaged power infrastructure, unsafe roads, and community water systems that have been impacted by the wildfire. These conditions continue to pose significant risks to public safety.

All Evacuation Orders remain in effect.

Evacuation Order 1: All residents north of Bonneau Road and south of Highway 97, including residents across the lake along Head of the Lake Road, Hawhola Road, and all properties to the OKIB IR 1 boundary.

Evacuation Order 2: All OKIB IR 1 properties south of Six Mile Creek to Westshore Estates.

Evacuation Order 3: All remaining OKIB IR 1 properties, resulting in all of Okanagan Indian Band IR 1 now being under an Evacuation Order.

Emergency crews, utility providers, and partner agencies are working as quickly as conditions allow to assess damage, restore essential infrastructure, and prepare for the safe return of residents. This work must be completed before evacuation orders can be rescinded.

A Do Not Consume Water Advisory also remains in effect for the affected community water systems.

Okanagan Indian Band Systems Six Mile / Bradley Creek / Irish Creek / Head of the Lake Community Water System (DW

59 Antoine Road Community Water System (DWS #2391)

Under a Do Not Consume Water Advisory, tap water is not safe to consume, and boiling the water will not make it safe.

Until water infrastructure can be fully assessed, repaired where necessary, and confirmed safe for use, residents should continue using bottled water for drinking, food preparation, brushing teeth, making ice, and any other activity where water may be consumed.

Until these assessments have been completed and emergency officials determine it is safe to return, the Evacuation Orders and Do Not Consume Water Advisory will remain in effect.

We recognize how difficult this continues to be for our community and appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation as response and recovery efforts continue. Further updates will be shared through the Okanagan Indian Band’s official communication channels as more information becomes available.