Fire near Vernon, B.C., is being held, with tactical evacuation order lifted

VERNON — A wildfire that forced a brief tactical evacuation in the Okanagan region of British Columbia is now being held, and evacuees have been told they’re safe to return home.

The BC Wildfire Service’s online dashboard says in an overnight update that the Boltres Creek fire just south of Vernon is projected to remain in its current perimeter measuring one square kilometre.

The City of Vernon says on its Facebook page that the blaze is stable and no longer growing, with Highway 97 fully open and the evacuation order lifted.

The fire had triggered a local state of emergency and the tactical evacuation of about 20 properties on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the Mount Underwood fire on Vancouver Island, south of Port Alberni, B.C., continues to burn out of control, but crews say rain over the weekend has reduced activity to a smouldering ground fire with some open flame.

The BC Wildfire Service says about 36 millimetres of rain have fallen on the fire since Thursday, and the fire is not expected to return to intensity levels seen last week, although warmer and drier weather is on the way mid-week.

The service says in an update on Monday that the weather forecast for the next two days shows cloudy skies, moderate temperatures and possible rain, which will also likely keep fire activity in check.

The Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District says on Facebook it has closed its clean air relief centre for local residents as smoke levels from the Mount Underwood fire drop, but power and cellphone services remain out for residents of Bamfield, B.C., and the main road access to the community remains closed.

The regional district says Telus is sending a mobile cell tower to the area and it’s scheduled to arrive later this week to restore telecom services in Bamfield.

The Mount Underwood fire is measured at more than 36 square kilometres and continues to be the only current wildfire-of-note in B.C., meaning the blaze is creating an increased level of interest due to visibility or threat to nearby residents and infrastructure.

There are about 80 active wildfires in the province, including five burning out of control.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 18, 2025.