Columbia Valley Rural Fire & Rescue Services

10/12/2026

News Release: Firefighters Respond to Structure Fire North of Crossroads (posted: Oct.12.26 11:30am)

Members of the Windermere Fire Department are on scene of a small structure fire in the North Subdivision Road area north of the Crossroads.

“The fire was within the basement of the residence, and the firefighters were able to keep it confined to a small area,” explains Assistant Fire Chief Thomas Dobbin.

13 firefighters from the Windermere Fire Department remain on scene along with an additional six firefighters from the Invermere Fire Department, BC Ambulance and RCMP. While the fire has been suppressed, and the cause and origin remain under investigation.

The Fire Department is working with partner agencies as part of the ongoing response.

10/06/2026

This is an amazing video that clearly demonstrates the explosive power behind Lithium-ion battery fires.

10/05/2026

Safe Charging Is a Superpower!

Fire Prevention Week™ is October 4–10, 2026. “Charge Into Fire Safety™. Safe Charging Is a Superpower” focuses on the everyday charging habits that can help reduce the risk of lithium-ion battery fires and keep homes and communities safer.

Join NFPA and fire departments across North America for Fire Preven...

08/31/2026

NEWS RELEASE: Firefighters Respond to Boat Fire on Lake Windermere (Posted 08.31.26 3:07 PM)

Members of the Windermere Fire Department responded to a boat fire at a dock on Lake Windermere today.

Just before noon, firefighters were dispatched to a fully involved boat fire. Ten firefighters and three fire apparatus attended the scene and quickly brought the fire under control.

“The prompt reporting of the fire and the rapid response by our crews helped limit the incident,” says Columbia Valley Rural Fire & Rescue Chief Drew Sinclair. “We are grateful that no injuries were reported.”

The homeowners were present when the fire was discovered and immediately contacted emergency services. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. At this time, the fire is not considered suspicious.

08/28/2026

Earlier this month, the Timber Springs Community near Fairmont Hot Springs was hit by a wildfire. A BC Wildfire Service helicopter crew and an initial attack crew, already en route to a nearby fire, were diverted and intervened almost immediately. No structures were lost, and some cabins that were surrounded by flames came away scorched but standing.

Pictured here is Bill Thompson, in his "I Am FireSmart" t-shirt. His daughter, Kirsten Thompson, shared the photo along with her family's story.

"We are a FireSmart community, and I have teased my Dad, Bill, about him cutting down trees and obsessively cleaning up pine needles and debris. We were incredibly lucky, and no structures were lost, even though some were entirely surrounded by flames. Cabins were scorched but otherwise unscathed, in part because trees had been cut back and fuel sources replaced with rock borders. I am 100% a believer now and heartily endorse this program."

FireSmart activities can reduce risk to a home, but outcomes depend on many factors, including weather, fire behaviour, and emergency response. Kirsten and her family credit their FireSmart work, along with a fast response from BC Wildfire Service, with how their home came through.

Photo and story shared with permission from the Thompson family.

Do you have a FireSmart story we can share? Please reach out to [email protected].

Learn what FireSmart steps you can take today at firesmartbc.ca/prepare/

08/28/2026

August has been a challenging month for the Fire Service and many communities in BC. We are proud that our Columbia Valley Rural Fire Fighters stepped forward to assist when called upon by the Province, just as we are equally proud of our members who continued to respond to our local emergencies this summer.

For most of August, we deployed 2 apparatus and rotated crews who were deployed and served in The Cariboo, Thompson and Okanagan regions. All members are home, safe and rested.

Our continuing thanks and appreciation to our Firefighters, and their families for their sacrifices in protecting us locally as well other British Columbians in times of need.

08/13/2026

NEWS RELEASE: Firefighters Respond to New Start Near Edgewater (posted: 9:20am Aug.13.26)

Members of the Edgewater Fire Department responded to a new fire start just outside of Edgewater this morning.

“Following last night’s lightning, a new start was called in just east of the Highway at approximately 7:15am. Our team responded immediately and when we arrived on scene, found the fire was confined to a relatively small area. They’ve done an excellent job of getting it quickly extinguished,” says Columbia Valley Rural Fire & Rescue Chief Drew Sinclair.

A total of seven firefighters from the Edgewater Fire Department responded to the call with three pieces of apparatus. They remain on site doing final mop up and ensuring there are no remaining hot spots.

In spite of the rainfall that came with the storm, conditions overall remain dry in the region and the RDEK is anticipating there could be additional fire starts in the coming days as warm, dry conditions return. To report a wildfire, call 1 800 663-5555 or (*5555 from a cell phone) or use the BC Wildfire App Report a Wildfire feature.

08/10/2026

Given the scope and scale of wildfires currently burning in B.C., and to further protect public safety, recreational off-road vehicle use will be prohibited on Crown land in the Kamloops and Southeast Fire Centres, as well as parts of the Cariboo and Coastal Fire Centres. This prohibition is effective immediately, as of 12 p.m. (noon) on August 10, 2026.

Full information for current prohibitions and restrictions is provided here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/prevention/fire-bans-and-restrictions