Columbia Valley Rural Fire & Rescue Services

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

08/10/2026

Proud to support our neighbours and wishing all of our deployed members safe travels and working conditions.

🚒 Invermere Fire Department Responds to Wildfires Near Summerland

This morning, two members of the Invermere Fire Department, along with one member of the Columbia Valley Rural Fire Department, headed out to assist with wildfire operations near Summerland.

We’re proud to see our members step up and support communities across British Columbia during what continues to be a challenging wildfire season.

Thank you to these three members for answering the call and dedicating their time and skills to help protect people, property and communities.

A special thank you as well to the members back home who continue to answer calls, respond to emergencies and help protect our own communities while their fellow firefighters are away. Your dedication and commitment don’t go unnoticed.

Thank you to all the firefighters and emergency personnel working on the front lines across the province. Stay safe out there! 🔥

08/03/2026

REGIONAL WILDFIRE UPDATE (posted: August 3, 2026 2:45pm)

Here is the latest on the wildfire front with information from BC Wildfire Service:

🔥Wait Creek Fire (N11360) – Ta Ta Creek area

• The EVACUATION ORDER remains in effect for properties in the Ta Ta Creek area in the immediate vicinity of the fire
• The EVACUATION ALERT for an isolated number of properties around the Wait Creek (N11360) wildfire - in the Wasa Lake and Lazy Lake areas, as well as select properties in the Ta Ta Creek and Meadowbrook areas further from the fire
• A copy of the Order and boundary map can be found on the Evacuation Alerts & Orders page on www.rdek.bc.ca
• The wildfire experienced rapid, wind-driven growth during the first operational period on Saturday, with wind gusts exceeding 60 km/h. Since then, calmer conditions and suppression efforts have significantly reduced fire activity. The initial size estimate of approximately 160 hectares was made within the first hour of the incident while the wildfire was growing rapidly
• Aerial reconnaissance was completed this morning and we now have an accurate map of the wildfire perimeter
• This fire is now listed at 1,381 hectares
• Resources: 55 firefighting personnel, helicopters and air tankers are assigned as needed, heavy equipment and structure protection
• Most of the wildfire is now exhibiting rank 1 or lower fire behaviour (smouldering ground fire) with the most active section largely concentrated on the southwest corner
• Fire activity remains minimal in the Tata Creek area and the fire continues to be held to the west side of Highway 95A
• As temperatures rise through the day, surrounding areas can expect to see increased smoke, especially at the hottest part of the day
• Good progress has been made putting in and reinforcing guards and crews and heavy equipment are continuing to work on it
• Crews patrolled the fire through the night last night, quickly containing any spots as they happened
• Helicopters are supporting ground crews through the morning
• Yesterday, airtankers were assigned in the afternoon and evening
• Land-based and skimmer airtankers worked to suppress and slow growth allowing crews and equipment teams to safely make progress
• Aviation resources are supporting crews through the day today
• Danger tree assessing and falling work is ongoing
• Structure protection is on place in Tata Creek

🔥Tower Creek Fires (N10947 & N10944) - west of St. Mary Lake
• An Evacuation ALERT remains in effect for 66 properties in the St. Mary Lake area due to the Tower Creek Fires.
• Since the wind event on Saturday and Sunday, calmer winds and more favourable conditions have moderated fire behaviour. A gradual warming and drying trend is expected to begin again today and climb back into high temperatures by mid-week.
• Overall growth recent growth on the Tower Creek fires has been minimal
• There are 32 personnel on the fire today, along with 6 helicopters (helis are shared with Matthew Creek). Heavy equipment is on standby if needed.

🔥N11020 Matthew Creek Fire - west of Kimberley
• The fire was mapped the evening of August 2nd, the size and perimeter have been posted on bcwildfire.ca
• Updated size: 1715.5 ha
• There are 46 personnel responding to this wildfire, 6 helicopters (shared with Tower Creek), 15 pieces of heavy equipment
• The Area Restriction for the Matthew Creek area remains in effect
• High sustained and gusty winds continued overnight on Saturday, influencing fire behaviour and spread and contributed to the wind-driven growth increase.
• Overnight growth occurred to the south on the opposing side of the drainage
• Control line planning, construction, and reinforcement work is ongoing by crews and equipment teams
• Helicopters are continuing with bucketing efforts

🔥N11036 – Calamity Creek - South of Purcell Wildnerness Conservancy
• There is an Area Restriction in place for the Calamity Creek area.
• Estimated size – 106 ha

🔥N21071 – Jumbo Creek - Approx 38km SW of Invermere
• The Area Restriction for the Jumbo Creek area remains in effect.
• Estimated size – 683.5 ha
• BC Wildfire Service is using a modified response strategy for this incident and increased monitoring of this fire through the wind event Saturday and Sunday.

There are no other significant updates to share on any of the other fires.

Many businesses and municipalities are still recovering from the extended power outage, including the RDEK's water systems. Our Operators have been working around the clock to keep all the systems working and essential water available for the community. Residents on any RDEK water system in the Columbia Valley are urged to continue to limit all non-essential water use until further notice as we are still trying to get systems back fully online.

A huge thank you to the Emergency Support Services (ESS) volunteers and Salvation Army for all their work supporting all those who've been evacuated from their homes and to the wider community for stepping up to provide help and support however and wherever they can.

08/02/2026

POWER OUTAGES IN COLUMBIA VALLEY PROMPT URGENT REQUEST TO REDUCE WATER USE ON RDEK WATER SYSTEMS (posted: Aug.2.26 5:00am)

Thousands of customers from Skookumchuck north all the way to Golden are still without power.

BC Hydro says tonight's storm and wildfire smoke have caused damage to their transmission and distribution system and are without power. No time has been given for when power is expected to be restored; however, they will provide updated estimated times for restoration on their outages page as work progresses.

As a result of the power outage, all users on RDEK Water Systems in the Columbia Valley are being urged to limit all non-essential water use to ensure each community system's reservoirs have enough water as we are unable to fill them without power. This includes limiting all non-essential indoor and outdoor water use including showering, dishwashing, laundry, etc until power has been restored and the systems have time to replenish.

In Holland Creek, residents are also asked to limit everything going into the sewer system as the pumps in the lift station can't function without power. If you are on the Holland Creek sewer system, please limit all bathing, showering and flushing, etc and keep as little as possible from going down the drain.

08/02/2026

NEWS RELEASE: Firefighters Contain Wildfire South of Fairmont (Aug.2.26 5:30am)

Members of the Fairmont and Windermere fire departments responded to a wildfire south of Fairmont Saturday.

“We had a total of 12 firefighters on scene throughout the afternoon and evening along with four pieces of apparatus. We worked cooperatively with BC Wildfire crews including the helicopter pilots who did extraordinary work bucketing,” says Columbia Valley Rural Fire & Rescue Deputy Chief Jon Tames. “I want to acknowledge the residents who so quickly reported the fire, along with our firefighters and the BC Wildfire Service personnel for their tremendous effort today. Given the tinder dry conditions and strong winds, this call could have had much more serious consequences and I’m so grateful for this outcome.”

The fire broke out on the northwest side of Columbia Lake and is now contained. An overnight crew from Columbia Valley Rural Fire & Rescue remained on site overnight and they are hoping to complete mop-up today.

The fire is estimated at 1 hectare in size and no structures were impacted.

08/02/2026

The time to prepare for an emergency wildfire situation and increase you situational awareness is NOW.
Current fire hazards, coupled with increasing winds and temperatures and a moment's inattention can have catastrophic circumstances.
PLEASE focus and prepare on what to do in the event of a sudden tactical evacuation in the event of another fire start near you.
Review prior RDEK emergency preparedness messaging and stay turned for updates.

URGENT WILDFIRE UPDATE 08.01.26

Crews are responding to four new fires at this hour and this is an emerging situation - particularly in the Ta Ta Creek area.

N11360 - in the Ta Ta Creek area off of Highway 95A
• A tactical evacuation is underway for residences closest to the fire - door knocking is underway. Formal notification will be forthcoming - as the Evacuation Order boundary is confirmed.
• Highway 95A is closed in the area of the fire
• Further information coming soon; however, residents and recreationalists in the Ta Ta Creek area should be taking steps to prepare to leave on a moments notice and follow instructions from first reponders/emergency personnel if they arrive at your property and direct you to leave.
• Emergency Support Services (ESS) is available at Parkland Middle School in Cranbrook located at 1115 2 Ave S, Cranbrook, BC. Look for signage.

OTHER FIRE UPDATES:

N11356 - NW of the Koocanusa Bridge / RDEK Boat Launch
• Crews and aviation are responding

N21358 - in the Skookumchuck Creek area near Farstad Way
• Crews and aviation are responding

N21362 - Fairmont Area (Coys area)
• Suppression activities are underway / crews are responding

We are aware of power outages in multiple areas - the best resource for details is the BC Hydro Outage Map: https://www.bchydro.com/power-outages/app/outage-map.html