With wildfires active across the Okanagan and in neighbouring communities, the City of Vernon recognizes that many people in our region may be feeling concerned. The City continues to closely monitor conditions and work with emergency response partners. At this time, the Bradley Creek wildfire does not pose a risk to Vernon.
The Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) remains activated and will continue to operate to support Emergency Support Services (ESS) in our community and respond in the event of an emergency.
The Bradley Creek wildfire is currently classified as Being Held, and several evacuation orders within the Okanagan Indian Band have been rescinded. For updates on orders and alerts, visit okib.ca.
BC Wildfire bans off-road vehicles
Today, BC Wildfire announced an immediate ban on the use of off-road vehicles on Crown land throughout the Kamloops Fire Centre. Given the scope and scale of fires currently burning in B.C., and the elevated danger ratings in many southern regions of the province, this prohibition is being put into place to further protect public safety.
As of Monday, Aug. 10, 2026, the operation of any off-road vehicle for recreational purposes on Crown land will be prohibited and all on-highway vehicles must remain on road surfaces as defined in the Forest Planning and Practices Regulation. The restriction applies to Crown land in and around Vernon. Read the full release.
What you can do: Be prepared for changing conditions
Although there is no immediate wildfire threat to Vernon, now is a good time for residents to review their emergency preparedness plans and ensure they are ready should conditions change.
Residents are encouraged to:
- Prepare a grab-and-go emergency kit with essential items
- Discuss emergency plans with family members
- Identify a meeting location and alternate accommodations in the event of an evacuation
- Set up the BC Services Card app on their mobile device and create an ESS profile online
- Ensure emergency contact information is up to date
- Take steps to FireSmart their homes and properties
Preparedness resources are available through the Province of British Columbia at PreparedBC and through the City of Vernon at vernon.ca/emergency.
Emergency supports remains available
The City's ESS Reception Centre at Kal Tire Place remains available to support residents impacted by wildfire activity. Vernon remains prepared to welcome additional evacuees if needed and can quickly scale up emergency response operations should circumstances change. Those who access support online or by phone do not need to visit an ESS Reception Centre.
Evacuees can also access the Vernon Recreation Centre pool and drop-in programs free of charge by presenting their ESS referral number at Guest Services. Details on hours and schedules can be found at vernon.ca/rec
Looking ahead
As wildfire conditions in the immediate area have stabilized, the City will transition from daily wildfire updates to weekly updates moving forward.
If there is a significant change in conditions affecting Vernon or any action required by residents, information will be shared immediately through the City's communication channels.
As the community continues to move forward, residents are encouraged to focus on their health and wellbeing, check in on family, friends and neighbours, and take time to enjoy the many positive events, activities and opportunities that make Vernon a strong and resilient community.
For the latest wildfire information and evacuation updates, visit Okanagan Indian Band, Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO), BC Wildfire Service, EmergencyMapBC. Vernon residents are also encouraged to download the Alertable app to receive local emergency notifications.
For the most up-to-date information from the City of Vernon, visit vernon.ca/bradley-creek and sign up for City updates at vernon.ca/subscribe.