Residents begin returning as Bradley Creek wildfire evacuation orders ease

August 10 2026 - Some residents forced from their homes by the Bradley Creek wildfire near Vernon are starting to return after authorities rescinded or downgraded several evacuation orders.

In the Okanagan Indian Band community, people in areas including parts of Desert Cove, the Head of the Lake, sections along Westside Road, and neighbourhoods around Grandview and Lawrence Heights may now go home.

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In the Township of Spallumcheen, remaining alerts have also been lifted, allowing return to previously restricted zones such as the St. Anne’s Road area.

Re-entry is still phased; not every evacuated property is cleared yet.

Officials stress that returnees should proceed with caution. Properties and surrounding land may still hold hazards including unstable trees, ash, soot, debris, and damaged infrastructure.

Residents are advised to inspect their homes carefully before entering, wear protective gear during cleanup, and follow any remaining water quality advisories, using bottled or boiled water for drinking and cooking where directed.

Those returning are also asked to respect the privacy of neighbours who lost homes or property and avoid entering or photographing damaged sites that are not their own.

Images of the recently reopened section of St. Anne’s Road show significant fire damage, with blackened vegetation, scorched ground, and evidence of the blaze’s rapid advance still clearly visible along the corridor.

The wildfire, now classified as being held, has destroyed more than 200 structures since it ignited on July 31.

Further phased re-entries are expected as assessments continue.

For the latest official maps, notices, and guidance, residents should check okib.ca, spallumcheentwp.bc.ca, and EmergencyInfoBC.

Residents begin returning as Bradley Creek wildfire evacuation orders ease