Quilpituk Creek Wildfire: August 12 Update

Quilpituk Creek Wildfire

Central Okanagan West Electoral Area, B.C. – Although evacuation orders and alerts for the properties impacted by the Quilpituk Creek Wildfire remain in place, residents should start preparing themselves for re-entry.

BC Wildfire is making progress on containment of the wildfire and safety assessments are ready to deploy. The re-entry plan may be in phases as assessments are conducted to support a safe and coordinated return home. 

The Emergency Operations Centre will provide an information package to returning residents with more information and safety considerations.

Prepare for re-entry:

  • Be prepared to clean and sanitize undamaged fridges and freezers according to current health guidelines: Returning home after an evacuation | Interior Health

  • For information on your water service including Boil Water Notices, please check with your water utility provider.

  • Bring enough supplies to be safely self-sufficient for a 72-hour period, including:

    • Bottled drinking water or an alternate source of potable water 

    • Non-perishable food and any special dietary items

    • Prescription medications and medical supplies

    • Pet food, water and supplies

    • Cell phone chargers and backup power sources

    • Flashlights and extra batteries

    • Cash, as payment systems may be unavailable

  • Wildfire smoke, ash, soot and debris can create health hazards during cleanup. Consider bringing:

    • Work gloves

    • N95 or equivalent masks

    • Safety glasses or goggles

    • Long pants and long-sleeved shirts

    • Sturdy footwear

    • Garbage bags and containers for debris collection

    • Cleaning cloths, mops and disinfectants

Information on re-entry will be made available through coemergency.ca. Subscribe for notifications at coemergency.ca/subscribe.

Read the Aug. 12, 2026 update from BC Wildfire Service for more information.

Important reminders

  • The Quilpituk Creek Wildfire remains active. Residents should continue to monitor coemergency.ca  and subscribe for notifications at coemergency.ca/subscribe. You can also follow Central Okanagan Emergency Management on X (@CO_Emerg) and Facebook (facebook.com/coemergencymanagement) for up-to-date information.

  • Residents on evacuation alert should be prepared to leave immediately if conditions change. 

  • The operation of any off-road vehicle for recreational purposes on Crown land is prohibited throughout Kamloops Fire Centre.

  • Stay informed of air quality alerts and find out what you can do to protect yourself from the effects of wildfire smoke by visiting Wildfires | Interior Health.

  • To reach the call centre at the Emergency Operations Centre, call 250-469-8490.

ESS SUPPORTS

  • ESS reception centre is open today from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. In-person assistance is available at the Westbank Lions Community Centre (2466 Main St., West Kelowna).

  • Evacuated and not yet registered with ESS? Register through the ERA tool at ESS.gov.bc.ca. In-person assistance is available at the Westbank Lions Community Centre.

  • Need to renew ESS supports? If you received an e-transfer, call 1-800-387-4258 and have your file number ready. If you are staying in a hotel, ESS will contact you directly regarding extensions.

  • Need other renewals or in-person support? Visit the ESS reception centre at the Westbank Lions Community Centre. 

  • Need overnight lodging? Group lodging is available at Royal LePage Place Arena (2760 Cameron Rd., West Kelowna). RVs and trailers can park overnight at Mount Boucherie Secondary School (2751 Cameron Rd., West Kelowna) and access services at Royal LePage Place.

  • Visit ESS.gov.bc.ca to register or learn more.

For the latest information on evacuation orders, alerts, map and wildfire response activities, visit the Central Okanagan Emergency Operations website: Quilpituk Creek Wildfire information page

and BC Wildfire Service.