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Bradley Creek Wildfire aerial shot (Image Credit: Vernon Mattters Staff)
By Vernon Matters Staff
Anticipating Growth

Bradley Creek wildfire could see increased growth as winds pick up this weekend

Aug 7, 2026 | 10:13 AM

Fire crews are working to strengthen containment lines around the out-of-control Bradley Creek wildfire as changing and gusty winds could fuel increased fire activity heading into the weekend.

The wildfire, discovered July 31, has grown to an estimated 2,853 hectares and remains classified as a Wildfire of Note.

Conditions are expected to be relatively favourable for firefighters Friday, with temperatures between 26 C and 31 C and humidity levels as low as 25 per cent. Smoke from other fires across B.C. and south of the border is expected to limit solar heating and keep fire behaviour mostly low-intensity through much of the day.

But that could change as winds increase.

A thermal trough is expected to move east of the fire area Friday evening, bringing stronger gusts and downslope winds. Winds could also shift to the north, creating more challenging conditions for crews and potentially increasing fire behaviour.

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Firefighters are continuing to build control lines along Newport Creek and directly along the fire’s edge in the Bradley Creek drainage. Mop-up and direct attack operations are also underway on the northern and southern flanks.

Crews are expanding wet lines between Irish Creek South and North roads and along an existing machine-built fire guard.

Structure protection teams maintained 24-hour coverage overnight after drone scans detected localized heat near Westside Road. Infrared scanning will continue to monitor hotspots.

BC Hydro is supporting the response by clearing downed lines and infrastructure impacts, helping crews safely access additional areas of the fire.

There are currently four evacuation orders and three evacuation alerts associated with the wildfire.

Westside Road remains closed because of ongoing firefighting operations.

Officials are advising residents to monitor local authorities for the latest evacuation information and to check DriveBC for road conditions and closures.

by Vernon Matters Staff
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