Highway 3 closed due to ‘fast-moving’ wildfire in Osoyoos

Smoke from a wildfire near Okanagan River in Osoyoos is pictured on Monday, Aug. 11. (Courtesy: Jason Tarnow)

Officials warned residents near a “fast-moving” wildfire that sparked Monday evening in Osoyoos to prepare to leave if evacuations are needed.

As of 6:50 p.m., the fire located west of Highway 3 had burned an estimated 7.5 hectares. It is suspected to be human-caused.

In an alert, the Town of Osoyoos said multiple local fire departments and the BC Wildfire Service are responding to the blaze, and the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen Emergency Operations Centre has been activated.

“Individuals in the industrial area west of Highway 3 are being asked to prepare to evacuate if notified. This includes Casitas Del Sol and Desert Rose Estates,” the notice reads.

“Please avoid the area and stay off Highway 3 to keep roads clear for emergency vehicles.”

Highway 3 was shut down in both directions at Old Richter Pass Road for the wildfire response.

Related: Full coverage of B.C.’s 2025 wildfire season