Sunday, August 9, 2026
ADVT 
National

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

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 04 Aug, 2026 10:48 AM
  • 'Devastation': Chief says about 230 homes destroyed by B.C. wildfire

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

MORE National ARTICLES

Ottawa adding $5.4B for child care; provinces, advocates had warned progress at risk

Ottawa adding $5.4B for child care; provinces, advocates had warned progress at risk
The federal government is giving provinces and territories an additional $5.4 billion over two years for the national $10-a-day child-care program, money the minister is framing as stabilizing the program.

Ottawa adding $5.4B for child care; provinces, advocates had warned progress at risk

Driver arrested in Vancouver after police chase and crash near World Cup fans

Driver arrested in Vancouver after police chase and crash near World Cup fans
The incident was captured on social media videos that show a black Tesla crashed into a tree, a man lying on the ground being cuffed, and officers with weapons drawn.

Driver arrested in Vancouver after police chase and crash near World Cup fans

Environment Canada issues thunderstorm watches over parts of B.C.

Environment Canada issues thunderstorm watches over parts of B.C.
Environment Canada says parts of central and northern B.C. could see damaging winds from a possibly severe thunderstorm. 

Environment Canada issues thunderstorm watches over parts of B.C.

Advocates attack Carney government's elimination of ombudsperson for forced labour

Advocates attack Carney government's elimination of ombudsperson for forced labour
Human rights advocates say Ottawa is turning its back on foreigners alleging involvement by Canadian companies abroad in forced labour and environmental degradation.

Advocates attack Carney government's elimination of ombudsperson for forced labour

Gun control advocacy groups urge PM to implement long-awaited protection measure

Gun control advocacy groups urge PM to implement long-awaited protection measure
A women's advocacy organization and several other groups that support gun control are urging Prime Minister Mark Carney to fully implement a key facet of firearms legislation passed 30 months ago.

Gun control advocacy groups urge PM to implement long-awaited protection measure

Grassy Narrows repeats call for Carney to apologize for comments made about protest

Grassy Narrows repeats call for Carney to apologize for comments made about protest
A Grassy Narrows First Nation woman who suffers from mercury poisoning repeated her call Thursday for Prime Minister Mark Carney to apologize for saying he could "outlast" her during a March protest.

Grassy Narrows repeats call for Carney to apologize for comments made about protest