Smoke from ongoing wildfires in British Columbia continues to reduce air quality across several parts of the province, with Kelowna experiencing hazardous conditions on Thursday. According to IQAir, Kelowna's Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeded 300 at one point Thursday afternoon, making it the city with the poorest air quality in the world during that period. Earlier in the week, Ashcroft recorded Canada's worst air quality on Monday morning. Environment Canada has maintained high-impact air quality warnings for several regions, including the Fraser Canyon, Merritt and Kelowna. The agency says w

British Columbia Premier David Eby says businesses affected by potential new U.S. tariffs would be eligible to access a $1.5 billion federal emergency fund if the measures are implemented. According to Eby, Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed the regional emergency fund remains available to support provinces facing economic impacts from U.S. trade action. Eby said the funding could provide relief to B.C. industries if the United States proceeds with proposed tariffs on Canadian goods, including duties of up to 50 per cent on certain wood products beginning Aug. 19. The premier said uncertaint

The heat wave that has scorched southern British Columbia this week has seen temperatures pass 40 degrees for a second consecutive day in the Fraser Canyon, marking the two hottest temperatures recorded in Canada this year. Environment Canada says temperatures in Lytton hit 41.2 degrees on Wednesday, breaking a daily heat record set in 2006. Heat warnings that have blanketed the southern half of the province this week have receded, ending in Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, the Sunshine Coast, portions of Vancouver Island and the North Coast. But more than 20 heat warnings remain in place,

Emergency evacuation orders have been issued for several areas of British Columbia as out-of-control wildfires continue to threaten communities across the province. More than 80 wildfires are currently active, and officials are urging residents to follow evacuation instructions and monitor emergency updates. According to the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District, overnight evacuation orders were issued for parts of the South Chilcotin Mountains area as wildfire conditions worsened. In Boston Bar, local authorities have also urged the remaining residents in the Fraser Canyon to leave immediately

Vancouver Police say the department has received 230 new Approved Screening Devices (ASDs) for its traffic section as part of efforts to strengthen enforcement against impaired driving involving alcohol and drugs. According to the Vancouver Police Department, the delivery makes it the first police agency in British Columbia to receive the devices on this scale. The department said every patrol officer on duty will now have access to an ASD during traffic enforcement. Police also introduced a new tracking software system that will record where the screening devices are being used. The departmen

British Columbia's economy is expected to be hit harder than any other Canadian province after U.S. President Donald Trump announced new 50 per cent tariffs on hundreds of imported products. According to the report, about 13 to 14 per cent of the goods B.C. is expected to export to the United States in 2025 will be subject to the new tariffs, the highest share among all provinces. The measures are expected to have the greatest impact on B.C.'s electrical machinery and equipment sector, as well as wood and wood product exports. The tariffs will apply to more than 500 product categories, includi

Kamloops RCMP's Proactive Enforcement Team arrested 16 people and seized a large quantity of weapons, drugs and other illegal items during a two-day targeted enforcement operation conducted on July 3 and 4. According to an RCMP news release, officers focused on identified crime hotspots and individuals already known to police through intelligence-led enforcement efforts. During the operation, police seized 16 prohibited or dangerous weapons, including bear spray, brass knuckles, batons, knives and an axe. Officers also recovered a replica firearm and a loaded 12-gauge shotgun. Superintendent P

A new wildfire south of Boston Bar in British Columbia's Fraser Canyon has prompted evacuation orders for the Hells Gate area as crews respond to growing wildfire activity. According to the BC Wildfire Service, the Anderson Creek wildfire was discovered Tuesday and has grown to about 1,000 hectares. Officials said the fire has now been added to the Brunswick Wildfire Complex, which includes two other active wildfires in the region. The Fraser Valley Regional District issued evacuation orders Tuesday evening for Boston Bar, the Boston Bar First Nation, North Bend and Canyon Alpine, citing an im

West Kelowna RCMP have issued a province-wide Amber Alert for four-year-old Ryan Atlas Andrews, who police say was allegedly taken by his 40-year-old mother, Alisse Andrews. According to RCMP, Ryan was last seen at about 11:20 a.m. Tuesday in the Ridge Boulevard area of West Kelowna. Investigators believe Alisse Andrews left the area with the child in a black Nissan Qashqai bearing British Columbia licence plate RV003L. Police are asking the public not to approach the vehicle or the individuals if they are seen. Anyone with information on their whereabouts is urged to call 911 immediately so o