National

'Devastation': Chief says about 230 homes destroyed by B.C. wildfire

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 04 Aug, 2026 10:48 AM

The chief of the Okanagan Indian Band says about 230 homes have been destroyed by a raging wildfire near Vernon, B.C.

Dan Wilson says 30 band homes and 200 non-band homes have been destroyed by the Bradley Creek fire.

He says the area "looked like a war zone" when he took a helicopter tour of the devastation and it was difficult to recognize the community.

Wilson says the wildfire has been one of the most devastating events in the band's history.

The chief says the situation is "surreal" and the destruction is just sinking in.

The fire started late Friday and was fanned by winds gusting up to 115 kilometres per hour, giving some residents as little as five minutes to get out of their homes.

Picture Courtesy: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Fires from coast to coast: A look at the wildfire situation across the country

Wildfires are burning in several provinces, forcing thousands of people from their homes. Smoke from those fires is choking out millions in major cities across North America.

Fires from coast to coast: A look at the wildfire situation across the country

A Piece of Home: What Canada Day Means to Immigrant Families

Every Canada Day, I watch my parents the way you watch someone holding two things in their hands at once. There is pride—real, hard-won pride in the country that became their home. And there is something quieter underneath it, a tenderness that surfaces in an old song, a familiar dish, a story that begins with “back home.” I grew up in the space between those two feelings. I am not an immigrant, but I am the child of immigrants, and that inheritance has shaped how I understand this country and this day.

A Piece of Home: What Canada Day Means to Immigrant Families

DARPAN 10 with Hon. Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, Leader, Conservative Party of BC

The number one factor driving increased crime in British Columbia is the illegal drug trade and the foreign gangs that perpetuate it. We must regain control of our ports and shut down the illicit drug trade, human trafficking, and lawlessness that have been allowed to flourish under the NDP, who care more about the rights of criminals than they do about the rights of their victims.

DARPAN 10 with Hon. Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, Leader, Conservative Party of BC

Carney defends environmental record as wildfires blaze in Ontario

Prime Minister Mark Carney is defending his government’s approach to the environment as parts of the country grapple with wildfires.

Carney defends environmental record as wildfires blaze in Ontario

Carney says U.S. will split 'modest' Gordie Howe bridge net revenues after debt paid

Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada and the U.S. will split "modest" net revenues from the Gordie Howe International Bridge only after debts and operational costs are paid.

Carney says U.S. will split 'modest' Gordie Howe bridge net revenues after debt paid

Gujarat: 53 medical cases reported during 149th Rath Yatra

Emergency medical teams had responded to 53 incidents during Ahmedabad's 149th Jagannath Rath Yatra as of Thursday evening, with fainting continuing to account for the highest number of medical emergencies reported along the procession route.