Smoke is highly visible from Hwy 97 south of Vernon as crews tackle the Boltres Creek wildfire/ BCWS

By Vernon Matters Staff

wildfire

UPDATE: Wildfire south of Vernon downgraded to Being Held, local and provincial crews still on site

Aug 17, 2025 | 2:51 PM

UPDATE 9:30 a.m.

Local and provincial firefighters remain on the scene of the Boltres Creek wildfire south of Vernon Monday morning.

The B.C. Wildfire Service told Vernon Matters that 27 members were assigned to the fire August 18, and were focusing on the north flank while also patrolling the scene and mopping up hot spots. They were being assisted by members of Vernon Fire Rescue.

The BCWS did not have any aerial resources assigned to the fire Monday morning, but did say they were on standby and would be deployed if needed.

The fire, which was downgraded to Being Held Sunday night, burned roughly 103 hectares of terrain. It’s suspected of being caused by human activity, though that was still under investigation as of Monday morning.

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UPDATE 8:30 a.m.

Firefighting activity Sunday evening helped contain the wildfire south of Vernon.

The B.C. Wildfire Service says the Boltres Creek wildfire, located south of Vernon off Highway 97 near the Disposal and Diversion Facility, was considered Being Held Sunday night.

That designation means the fire is unlikely to spread beyond the current boundaries.

The wildfire Sunday burned 103 hectares of terrain, and was being actioned by ground and air resources.

The BCWS was using Kalamalka Lake to fill the buketing helicopters, and reminds people to give the aircraft lots of space so they can operate safely.

UPDATE 9 p.m.

People ordered to leave their homes due to a wildfire Sunday afternoon are able to return home.

The City of Vernon rescinded the Evacuation Orders for properties on Commonage Road, which were issued earlier in the day Sunday, August 17, due to a wildfire burning off Highway 97 approximately eight kilometres south of Vernon.

The City of Vernon said the fire was “stable and no longer showing growth” as of 6:0 p.m., and the Emergency Operations Centre that had been running out of Kal Tire Place would be deactivated and wind down its operations.

As of the latest update the wildfire was still being actioned by Vernon and B.C. Wildfire Service firefighters. Kalamalka Lake continued to be used for bucketing helicopter operations and the city reminded people to give aircraft enough space to operate safely.

UPDATE 8 p.m.

The B.C. Wildfire Service has updated the size of the wildfire located south of Vernon.

The provincial firefighting agency says the fire has been mapped at 103 hectares, or 1.03 kilometres squared.

The BCWS had 39 firefighters and two helicopters assigned to the fire as of latest update. It was still classified as Out of Control and Rank 1, or a smouldering ground fire.

The City of Vernon issued Evacuation Orders for 20 properties along Commonage Road earlier in the day.

The BCWS was using Kalamalka Lake for its bucketing helicopter operations and reminded boaters to give the aircraft lots of space.

UPDATE 5:15 p.m.

Crews continued to action the wildfire south of Vernon Sunday evening, as people were told to leave their homes.

The City of Vernon issued Evacuation Orders from 20 properties near the intersection of Kalamalka Lakeview Drive and Westridge Road.

“Properties located on Commonage Road from Rose’s Pond to the Allan Brookes Nature Centre are on evacuation order and are asked to prepare to be away from their properties for an extended period of time, make arrangements for pets and pack essential items such as medicines and important documents,” the city said in a release.

“Evacuees should attempt to find other temporary accommodation and, if you are insured, please contact your insurance company. If you need basic emergency support, you can report to the Reception Centre at Kal Tire Place, 3445 43rd Ave, Vernon. Evacuees with a BC Services Card App can also receive ESS supports by registering online at Emergency Support Services Self Registration.”

Evacuees were reminded to pack essential items like identification, medication, pet supplies, and important documents when leaving their homes. They were also encouraged to have a plan on where to meet up, and arrange transportation for all family members.

Meanwhile, the B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS) said a crew of 17 firefighting personnel, three helicopters, and members of Vernon Fire Rescue Services were still actioning the wildfire as of 5:15 p.m. The BCWS told Vernon Matters another 22 personnel were being dispatched to the site to assist with containing the fire in the evening.

The fire sparked around 2:30 p.m., August 17, and burned approximately 40 hectares of terrain off Highway 97 approximately eight kilometres south of Vernon, near the Greater Vernon Diversion and Disposal Facility, across from the Kalamalka lookout point.

The BCWS said the fire was still considered out of control Sunday evening and was classified as Rank 1, meaning it was a smouldering ground fire.

The BCWS will be using Kalamalka Lake for helicopter bucketing, and asked boaters to give the aircraft plenty of space.

One of the southbound lanes of HWY 97 going past the fire site remained closed as of time of publication.

Updated: 3:30 p.m. Sunday

A wildfire is burning off Highway 97 about eight kilometres south of Vernon.

BC Wildfire Service reported Sunday afternoon the blaze, labelled the Boltres Creek wildfire, was an estimated 40 hectares in size and out of control.

The service said 17 personnel were involved in the firefight with three helicopters as well as airtankers. Vernon Fire Rescue was also actioning the blaze on the ground.

DriveBC reported around 2:30 p.m. that the southbound right lane is closed starting at Kalamalka Lake View Drive.

Expect delays in the area and watch for crews.

A south-westerly wind was blowing smoke northeast along the flank of the highway, but the latest weather forecast called for relatively calm winds with gusts of up to 24 km/h.