Update: Boltres Creek Wildfire Near Vernon Remains Stable at 103 Hectares

Vernon, BC (August 18, 2025, 9:30 a.m. PDT) – The Boltres Creek wildfire (K41552), located approximately 8 km southwest of Vernon near Highway 97 in the Kamloops Fire Centre, continues to be classified as "Being Held" by the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS).

he fire, which sparked on Sunday, August 17, 2025, remains at an estimated 103 hectares with no reported growth since the last update on August 17 at 10:12 p.m. PDT.

Fire Status and Response: As of August 18, 27 BCWS personnel, alongside Vernon Fire Rescue, are actively working on the fire, focusing on mopping up hot spots and securing the north flank to tie into a retardant line. The fire is displaying Rank 1 behavior, indicating a smoldering ground fire with no open flame.

No aerial resources were deployed Monday morning, though they remain on standby if needed. The fire was brought under control quickly on Sunday through coordinated efforts involving ground crews, three helicopters, air tankers, and support from Vernon, Lake Country, and Kelowna fire departments.

Evacuation and Road Updates: Evacuation orders for approximately 20 properties on Commonage Road, from Rose’s Pond to the Allan Brooks Nature Centre, were lifted by 6:35 p.m. on August 17, as the fire stabilized.

The City of Vernon’s Emergency Operations Centre at Kal Tire Place has been deactivated. Highway 97, previously impacted by closures, is fully reopened, though motorists are advised to watch for smoke and fire crews still active in the area.

Cause and Investigation: The fire is suspected to be human-caused, with investigations ongoing by the BCWS and potentially other agencies such as the RCMP. No further details on the cause have been released.

Weather Outlook: Hot and dry conditions persisted in the Kamloops Fire Centre on August 17–18, with temperatures reaching up to 35°C and windy conditions contributing to the fire’s initial rapid growth.

A cold front is expected to move through southern BC from August 18–20, potentially bringing stronger winds that could influence fire behavior if not accompanied by sufficient precipitation.

Some forecasts indicate possible measurable rainfall in the region, which could aid firefighting efforts. Residents are urged to remain vigilant due to ongoing warm, dry conditions and potential thunderstorm activity that may increase the risk of new ignitions.

While the fire is stable, the public is asked to avoid interfering with firefighting operations, particularly near Kalamalka Lake, where aircraft may still access water.

For real-time road updates, visit www.drivebc.ca, and for emergency alerts, sign up at vernon.ca/boltrescreek.