UPDATE AUGUST 18, 2023:
In the last 48 hours, fires have sent thousands of BC residents under evacuation orders and out of their homes and businesses. The combination of extreme drought conditions, gusting winds, and incoming lightning storms could still bring about the worst. The heat wave over BC created dry conditions that helped the fires spread fast and unpredictably. The public is urged to monitor the BC Wildfire updates closely and be prepared. If there's ever a time to have an evacuation plan for your family, it's now.
To support BC Residents affected by Wildfires please DONATE.
Read more updates in our Stories.
UPDATE AUGUST 18, 2023:
In the last 48 hours, fires have sent thousands of BC residents under evacuation orders and out of their homes and businesses. The combination of extreme drought conditions, gusting winds, and incoming lightning storms could still bring about the worst. The heat wave over BC created dry conditions that helped the fires spread fast and unpredictably.
The public is urged to monitor the BC Wildfire updates closely and be prepared. If there's ever a time to have an evacuation plan for your family, it's now.
To support BC Residents affected by Wildfires please DONATE.
- West Kelowna has declared a state of emergency and the McDougall Creek Wildfire jumped Okanagan Lake to the East overnight.
- All flights at Kelowna Airport are canceled as of this morning due to airspace closure.
- The Kookipi Creek Wildfire forced the closure of Highway 1 in the Fraser Canyon overnight. The fire has been burning since July and now 216 properties in Lytton were placed on evacuation alert at 11 p.m. yesterday.
- The Crater Creek Wildfire southwest of Keremeos has 19 properties on evacuation order and 189 on evacuation alert. This fire has consumed 14,000 ha since it started on July 22 just south of Keremeos and also threatens Cathedral Park.
- The Rossmoore Lake Wildfire near Lac La Jeune, south of Kamloops, has 40 properties on evacuation and another 352 on evacuation alert.
We will continue to provide updates as they come in. Thank you for all your support for BC.
July 2023:
The 2023 BC Wildfire season has impacted multiple communities and burned thousands of acres of forest. As the province continues to experience historical drought conditions, fires are worsening. Disaster Aid Canada, along with our partners, have come to the aid of our Province during many hard fire seasons over the years. We continue to provide support where it's most needed from funds donated by our generous donors.
Disaster Aid Canada is collaborating with Rotary groups in fire-affected districts and other organizations to support people affected by wildfires. We will update you as the details of additional programs come our way.
To support BC Residents affected by Wildfires please DONATE.