B.C. wildfires force thousands from homes near Vernon; evacuation orders affect 4,700 properties

A wildfire west of Vernon, B.C., that forced thousands from their homes over the weekend has seen little growth since Sunday morning, but the extent of damage in evacuated communities remains unclear.

The fire was discovered Friday and rapidly grew to 26 square kilometres, prompting evacuation orders Saturday in the main reserve of the Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB), the township of Spallumcheen, and the Splatsin First Nation. Multiple properties have been destroyed. About 4,700 properties are under evacuation order across B.C., according to the province.

OKIB Chief Dan Wilson said officials "still don't know the extent of damage in the community" and warned residents about unverified images circulating on social media. Amber Cardenas, who lost her home on the OKIB reserve, described the evacuation as chaotic. The family thought they were safe Friday when the fire burned 15 kilometres away, but wind shifts forced door-to-door evacuations by mid-day Saturday. "It's a rollercoaster of emotions," she said. Cardenas saved some family heirlooms but lost most possessions, including her partner's jewellery-making tools.

Wilson said officials must assess damage to utilities, roads and water systems before planning evacuee returns. A second fire, the Quilpituk Creek wildfire on the west side of Okanagan Lake, has forced additional evacuation of more than 2,200 properties near Kelowna. Highway 97 remains closed from Salmon River Road to Highway 97A. B.C. Wildfire Service reported cooler temperatures and lower winds Monday, allowing crews closer to the fires' edges.