Wednesday, August 5, 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

Canada Strong Pass Returns for Summer 2026 with Free Parks, Museum Entry and Travel Discounts

Canada Strong Pass Returns for Summer 2026 with Free Parks, Museum Entry and Travel Discounts
Canadians planning a summer getaway will once again be able to explore the country for less, as the Canada Strong Pass returns from June 19 to September 7, 2026, offering free admission and discounted access to some of Canada's most popular attractions and travel experiences.

Canada Strong Pass Returns for Summer 2026 with Free Parks, Museum Entry and Travel Discounts

Ottawa lends Millar Western Lumber $100M to cope with tariff impacts

Ottawa lends Millar Western Lumber $100M to cope with tariff impacts
The federal government is extending a $100-million loan to help a lumber company in Western Canada cope with tariffs and trade uncertainty.

Ottawa lends Millar Western Lumber $100M to cope with tariff impacts

Conservatives call for emergency meeting on Trump threats, demand Carney explain plan

Conservatives call for emergency meeting on Trump threats, demand Carney explain plan
The Conservative shadow minister for Canada-U.S. relations is calling on Ottawa to provide its negotiation plan with U.S. President Donald Trump at an emergency meeting.

Conservatives call for emergency meeting on Trump threats, demand Carney explain plan

U.S. consulate in Toronto shot at for the second time this year, police investigating

U.S. consulate in Toronto shot at for the second time this year, police investigating
Police say the U.S. consulate in Toronto was shot at early this morning and officers briefly pursued the suspect vehicle before calling off the chase for safety reasons. 

U.S. consulate in Toronto shot at for the second time this year, police investigating

Trump's constant Canada-bashing may be changing Republican views

Trump's constant Canada-bashing may be changing Republican views
No one is shocked now when U.S. President Donald Trump calls Canada the "51st state" or refers to Prime Minister Mark Carney as a "governor."

Trump's constant Canada-bashing may be changing Republican views

Gordie Howe bridge opens to cars after months of cross-border controversy

Gordie Howe bridge opens to cars after months of cross-border controversy
The Gordie Howe International Bridge has opened to motorists after months of controversy over financial aspects of the project.

Gordie Howe bridge opens to cars after months of cross-border controversy