State of Emergency Declared Lavington BC

UPDATE:

In September 2024, the Regional District of North Okanagan declared a local state of emergency for the Lavington area in response to the Noble Canyon wildfire (Incident #N11796), which ignited on September 4 and rapidly threatened properties.

On September 5, the RDNO issued an evacuation order for approximately 70 properties, with residents directed to reception centres supported by Emergency Social Services; this was downgraded to an evacuation alert on September 7 as fire behaviour moderated.

The BC Wildfire Service reported the fire fully contained by mid-September, with no structures lost or injuries reported in the affected area.

The incident highlighted the importance of coordinated emergency response during British Columbia’s active wildfire season.

State of Emergency Declared as Noble Canyon Wildfire Forces Evacuations in Lavington

LAVINGTON – The District of Coldstream has declared a local state of emergency as the Noble Canyon wildfire (K41979) grew to 50 hectares Friday evening, prompting evacuation orders and alerts in the Lavington area.

The fire, discovered Friday afternoon behind the Lavington Canco gas station, is classified as out of control by the BC Wildfire Service.

By nightfall it had spread into the hills, forcing authorities to issue Evacuation Orders for properties along Highway 6 between 5517 and 5691, and Noble Canyon Road between 10030 and 10120.

An Evacuation Alert is also in place for surrounding areas.

Officials say residents under order must leave immediately, while those under alert should be ready to go at short notice.

Mayor, Ruth Hoyte has declared a state of local emergency exists in the Lavington area of the District of Coldstream due to impeding wildfire threat and the potential harm to persons and property.

Firefighting Response

Crews remained on scene through Friday night, supported by the Lavington Fire Department and a night-vision helicopter patrolling the fire. According to the BC Wildfire Service, fire activity has decreased somewhat, now showing mostly rank 2 and 3 behaviour—a low-vigour surface fire with a moderate rate of spread.

More crews and aircraft are expected Saturday, with helicopters and skimmer planes drawing water from local lakes. Authorities are reminding boaters to stay clear of firefighting aircraft, warning that interfering with water pickups is extremely dangerous.

Emergency Powers in Effect

The state of local emergency, declared by Coldstream Mayor Ruth Hoyte at 9 p.m., gives the district additional authority to coordinate resources and protect public safety.

The Regional District of North Okanagan is asking the public to avoid the Noble Canyon, Becker Lake, and Bardolph areas to allow firefighting operations to continue safely.

The next formal update is expected at 9 a.m. Saturday, September 6. Residents can find maps, evacuation details, and instructions at www.coldstream.ca/news and www.rdno.ca.