By Tom Mark

WildFire Service Update

Jul 8, 2017 | 11:57 AM

There are currently 182 wildfires burning across British Columbia, so smoke may be visible in many areas.

Detecting new fires in this situation can be challenging due to poor visibility.

If you spot a wildfire, or a **distinct column** of smoke, please report it to *5555 (or 1-800-663-5555 on a landline) as soon as possible.

The more information we have, the more effective our response will be.

To see the current smoke forecast for western Canada, check here: http://firesmoke.ca/forecasts/BSC00WC04/current/

Weather alerts

Thunderstorm Watch issued for the Okanagan

53m ago

Fatal Collision

One youth killed, another injured in crash near Lumby

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For information about air quality, check: http://www.bcairquality.ca/

Those with health concerns should contact their local health authority.

by Tom Mark

Weather alerts

Thunderstorm Watch issued for the Okanagan

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch was issued for the North and Central Okanagan Tuesday.Environment Canada said "conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain."The agency urged people to seek shelter "when the...

57m ago

July 1st celebrations

Busy Canada Day in Kelowna with fireworks, large crowds, and closures

The city is preparing for one of its busiest days of the year as Canada Day celebrations return to downtown Kelowna, bringing live entertainment, cultural events, fireworks and significant traffic impacts.The 27th annual Celebrate Canada Day Festival runs July 1 from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. across Waterfront Park, the Cu...

1h ago

July 1 Celebrations

Free parking available for Canada Day

Canada Day celebrations goes at Polson Park Wednesday, and the city will make it easy for people to come out and enjoy the festivities.For July 1, the City of Vernon will offer free public parking in the downtown core, and will also open more public spaces at the City Hall east and west lots.There will also be a bike v...

1h ago

24km Trail Network

Work underway to build new Vernon Hill mountain bike area

A new area will be developed over the summer for mountain bikers and outdoor enthusiasts to explore.The North Okanagan Cycling Society announced that it had begun work developing the Vernon Hill recreation area Tuesday, June 30.The area will feature 24 kilometres of trails for riders to explore and enjoy, and the initi...

1h ago

West Kelowna Fire

Kalamoir Park wildfire officially out

The wildfire near Kalamoir Regional Park that prompted evacuation orders earlier this month has now been declared out, according to West Kelowna Fire Rescue.Fire Chief Jason Brolund said the decision was made in consultation with the BC Wildfire Service and regional partners after no smoke or fire activity was detected...

1h ago

Fatal Collision

One youth killed, another injured in crash near Lumby

A youth was killed after being hit by a vehicle near Lumby Saturday.Police responded to a rural property near the North Okanagan community for a report of a crash involving a pedestrian at around 11:50 p.m. June 27.Officers arrived on the scene and learned that two youths had been hit by a pick up truck. One of the vic...

20h ago

Netting Results

Kelowna RCMP expanding Community Liaison Officer program to downtown

The City of Kelowna and Kelowna RCMP are expanding their Community Liaison Officer program into the downtown core, following what officials say is strong uptake and positive results in Rutland.The move is aimed at increasing police visibility, improving response connections and strengthening relationships between offic...

20h ago

New Charging Ports

EV charging stations expanded on the Coquihalla

Electric vehicle owners have more opportunities to keep their batteries charged while travelling between the Interior and the coast.BC Hydro expanded its charging station at the Britton Creek rest area on the Coquihalla Highway.The utility installed two new 400-kilowatt chargers and two new 350-kilowatt chargers, each ...

21h ago

Leadership Team

Area MLAs named to B.C. Conservative Caucus

The Conservative Party of B.C. has released its new caucus, featuring some local names.Under Kerry-Lynne Findlay, the new leadership team also includes Macklin McCall, MLA for West-Kelowna Peachland, as the Official Opposition Whip, as well as David Williams, MLA for Salmon Arm-Shuswap, as the Okanagan and Interior Lie...

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