08/18/2026
PIB Community Wildfire Update - August 17, 2026 8:00pm
The PIB EOC continues to monitor the wildfire situation closely and remains active while evacuation orders and alerts remain in place. This update includes information from today’s staff meeting, PIB EOC Section Leads meeting, and coordination with the Provincial Regional EOC and BC Wildfire Service (BCWS)
Current Fire Status
The fire activity closest to PIB has greatly improved, with most recent fire growth now occurring away from us, toward the northwest Summerland and Princeton Road area. The eastern flank along the highway is now considered secured. BCWS and local crews continue to work on containment, mop up, and holding the fire perimeter. Crews are scanning for heat, strengthening guards, and using blacklining where needed to reduce available fuel near control lines. Most of the remaining heat is above the fire guard
We still have resources assigned to this fire, including firefighters, structure protection crews, helicopters, heavy equipment, and there will a 24 hour crew onsite. Air support continues to be part of the response, with more helicopters expected
Fire Line Operations and Local Response
PIB crews, BCWS, and supporting partners are continuing mop up and cooling work across up Shingle Creek. Hot spots near roadways and infrastructure are being dealt with
Crews are also preparing and responding to changing conditions, including possible back burning operations to help prevent the fire from moving toward Two Bucks and Blue Mountain. Trigger points are being reviewed with BC Wildfire Service so precautionary evacuation planning can be ready if conditions change.
More than 30 personnel equipment operators, and support staff have been involved in the response. Heavy equipment needs are being tracked, and additional offers of equipment support from neighbouring communities are being coordinated through the proper process
We are grateful to BC Wildfire Service, PIB Fire Department, Natural Resources, Westhills Aggregates crews, our equipment operators, and the firefighters from Mexico, who have been leading important mop up work in the Little Pine area and are expected to move toward Shingle Creek
Safety, Staffing, and Shift Planning
Safety remains a top priority. Crews are following safety procedures, including PPE checks, first aid support, and safety reviews for wildland crews and contractors.
Shift rotations are being put in place to help prevent fatigue and ensure fire line workers get proper rest.
Food and water are being coordinated for crews on the fire line, with designated drop off locations to support safe and efficient delivery
Evacuation Orders and Alerts
The Evacuation Order for a portion of the Shingle Creek area remains in place. The Evacuation Alert also remains in place for PIB IR1, including the Upper and Lower Village
Residents in the Shingle Creek evacuation order area are being allowed scheduled 1 hour access windows to tend to animals and check on property
PIB is also working on precautionary evacuation planning. This includes identifying trigger points, preparing draft evacuation orders if needed, reviewing evacuation routes and possible road closures, and planning for traffic control
Power Restoration up Shingle Creek
There is some positive news regarding power restoration for those residents on an Evacuation Order. Initial assessments suggested the entire power line feeding the affected homes was destroyed, but a closer inspection found that approximately 80% of the line is still intact
Danger tree assessments are complete, and BC Hydro is ready to begin restoration work once final approvals are in place. There is no confirmed date for repowering yet, but updates will be shared as soon as information is available
Water Supply and Structure Protection
Water supply for firefighting continues to be monitored. Reservoirs are being checked to ensure enough water is available, and contingency plans are in place for fire trucks to access emergency water sources if needed. Additional water storage options, such as tiger dams, are also being considered to support firefighting operations if needed
Pumps, generators, tanks, and other water access options are being coordinated, including the use of Shingle Creek and available equipment from Westhills
Communications and EOC Planning
Poor cell service continues to be a challenge in some areas. To support better communication, Starlink units have been installed in several vehicles, including utility and fire trucks. These units are helping maintain contact between crews, EOC, and emergency response partners
Heat and Community Well-Being
Hot weather is expected again. The PIB Cooling Centre may reopen if daytime temperatures rise above 35 degrees and overnight temperatures stay above 16 degrees. Staff are monitoring conditions and are ready to reopen the centre if needed. If you are working outside, please watch for heat and smoke exposure, take breaks, drink plenty of fluids, and check on family members, Elders, and neighbours
Looking Ahead
The EOC will remain activated until the evacuation alert is lifted however may reduce our regular daily meeting times. PIB is also beginning to plan for what comes after the fire, including fire impact assessments and rehabilitation planning for burned areas
Once the emergency response is over, PIB will hold a debriefing session to review what worked well, what can be improved, and how we can strengthen emergency planning for the future. Community feedback will be important in this process
With Gratitude
We extend our sincere thanks to PIB Fire Department, Natural Resources, Public Works, Operations, Health, Social Development, Finance, Communications, Planning, Administration, Westhills crews, BC Wildfire Service, the firefighters from Mexico, structure protection teams, equipment operators, neighbouring communities, volunteers, and everyone who has helped support this response
Your hard work, patience, and cooperation have made a real difference during a very difficult time
For ongoing updates and notices, please visit: www.pib.ca/pib-emergency-update-page
