B.C. fire numbers drop, with blaze near Vernon being held and evacuation order lifted

A wildfire in the Okanagan near Vernon that forced the evacuation of nearly two dozen homes is no longer showing signs of growth.

The number of wildfires in British Columbia has dropped sharply after a weekend that included heavy rain that doused some fires.

The BC Wildfire Service’s online dashboard says there are about 65 fires burning in the province, down from about 100 a week ago, with only four now burning out of control.

Among the fires whose threat has been reduced is a blaze that forced a brief tactical evacuation in the Okanagan on Sunday.

The Boltres Creek fire just south of Vernon is now being held, and evacuees have been told they’re safe to return home.

The wildfire service says the fire is projected to remain in its current perimeter measuring one square kilometre, while the City of Vernon says on its Facebook page that Highway 97 is fully open.

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 wildfire service says about 36 millimetres of rain has 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.

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