Monday, August 10, 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

Surrey Fusion Festival returns July 18-19 with soccer theme

Surrey Fusion Festival returns July 18-19 with soccer theme
Surrey Fusion Festival returns to Holland Park on July 18 and 19, with the theme “One World, One Game,” celebrating global cultures and inspired by the excitement building around the world’s largest sporting event coming to the region. Presented by Coast Capital, the free event will feature more than 50 cultural pavilions showcasing food, music and traditions from around the world.

Surrey Fusion Festival returns July 18-19 with soccer theme

Extortion-Linked Shooting Investigated at Surrey Home; No Injuries Reported

Extortion-Linked Shooting Investigated at Surrey Home; No Injuries Reported
Surrey Police Service (SPS) is investigating an early morning shooting outside a South Newton residence that authorities believe may be connected to an ongoing extortion-related case.

Extortion-Linked Shooting Investigated at Surrey Home; No Injuries Reported

Things to know about Donald Trump's forced labour claims against Canada

Things to know about Donald Trump's forced labour claims against Canada
Canada is facing the prospect of entirely new tariffs from U.S. President Donald Trump's administration after Washington claimed Ottawa has a poor track record on preventing importation of products of forced labour.

Things to know about Donald Trump's forced labour claims against Canada

Black advocates call out Carney government for excluding them from diversity council

Black advocates call out Carney government for excluding them from diversity council
Advocates for Black Canadians say the Carney government is reinforcing the barriers they face by launching an inclusivity council that does not include any Black people.

Black advocates call out Carney government for excluding them from diversity council

How high pandemic-period immigration papered over the cracks in Canada's economy

How high pandemic-period immigration papered over the cracks in Canada's economy
Prime Minister Mark Carney has said that lower immigration under his government helps to explain why Canada's economy has declined for the last two quarters, pushing it into recession territory.

How high pandemic-period immigration papered over the cracks in Canada's economy

Man charged with assaulting Quebec RCMP officer during anti-smuggling operation

Man charged with assaulting Quebec RCMP officer during anti-smuggling operation
Quebec RCMP say a 25-year-old man has been charged with assaulting an officer during an alleged migrant smuggling operation on Tuesday night.

Man charged with assaulting Quebec RCMP officer during anti-smuggling operation