Community Update: Phase 2 Bradley Creek Wildfire Danger Tree Removal Program

The Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB) is moving into Phase 2 of the Bradley Creek Wildfire Danger Tree Removal Program. Work is scheduled to begin on September 24, 2026, and continue through the fall.

Phase 1 is complete. During this phase, crews assessed and removed trees that posed the most immediate danger to people, homes, roads and access routes. Phase 2 will address remaining fire-damaged trees that could become dangerous as debris removal, road repairs, utility work and rebuilding move forward.

Why Phase 2 is needed

Many trees were badly damaged by the wildfire. Some may appear healthy but have damaged roots, trunks or branches that make them unstable. These trees can fall without warning. The risk may increase during strong winds, when heavy equipment disturbs the ground, or when digging damages weakened roots. Fire-damaged trees can also become less stable over time.

Removing the imminent threats in Phase 1 made the area safer for limited access. However, it did not remove every fire-damaged tree. Phase 2 must be completed so that heavier recovery work can move forward more safely.

What the work will include

Qualified danger tree assessors, fallers and machine operators will:

• Inspect trees and work areas to identify potential hazards
• Mark and remove trees that pose a danger to people or recovery work
• Move cut trees into organized piles
• Reinspect areas following strong winds or significant changes in conditions
• Use water trucks to help control dust during machine work

Crews will assess and address danger trees before other workers and heavy equipment enter an area.

Community safety

For everyone’s safety, residents are asked to:

• Stay outside marked work zones and follow all signs, gates and directions from crews
• Do not walk or drive around barriers
• Keep children and pets away from active work areas
• Expect noise, heavy equipment and possible temporary traffic delays

A yellow or green zone does not mean conditions cannot change. Strong winds, winter weather, ground disturbance or further tree damage may require an area to be inspected again.

Work schedule

Phase 2 is scheduled to begin on September 24, 2026, and continue through the fall. The schedule may change due to wind, weather, access restrictions or other safety concerns.

OKIB will provide updates as work moves into new areas or access conditions change.

We understand that residents want recovery work to move forward as quickly as possible. Completing Phase 2 is an important step in protecting residents and workers while allowing debris removal, utility work, road repairs and rebuilding to proceed more safely.

Thank you for your patience and for following all safety directions while this work is underway.

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