11.61°C Vancouver

Aug 25, 2023 9:41 PM - The Canadian Press

Houses of 13 fire fighters burnt in forest fire

Share On
houses-of-13-fire-fighters-burnt-in-forest-fire
Their homes were among 181 destroyed around Okanagan Lake last week.(Photo: The Canadian Press)

The chief of a small rural fire department in the B.C.'s Okanagan area says 13 members of his own crew have lost their homes while fighting wildfires this season.

Wilson's Landing Fire Chief Paul Zydowicz says members of the department still continued their fight to extinguish the wildfire.

Their homes were among 181 destroyed around Okanagan Lake last week.

Zydowicz says those who have lost their homes will be cared for by emergency support services.

Much of the area in the west of the lake is still under evacuation orders.

It is worth noting that there are currently about 370 wildfires active in B.C. and about 18,000 square kilometers of land has been burnt so far.

Latest news

BCFeb 02, 2026

B.C. Rental Protection Fund surpasses goal, secures nearly 2,200 homes

More than 2,000 homes in British Columbia are now protected under the province’s Rental Protection Fund, giving thousands of renters greater housing stability and access to affordable rents. Launched in 2023 with a $500-million provincial investment, the fund works with non-profit housing providers to purchase rental buildings at risk of being sold to the private market. This approach helps ensure tenants can remain in their homes and communities without facing sudden rent increases or evictions. The fund originally aimed to secure 2,000 homes over three years. That target has been exceeded
nanaimo-rcmp-arrest-man-following-break-in-on-waterfront-vessel
BCFeb 02, 2026

Nanaimo RCMP arrest man following break‑in on waterfront vessel

Nanaimo RCMP have arrested an adult man after a series of incidents that began with an attempted theft at a Port Place Mall grocery store and ended with an alleged break‑and‑enter on a privately owned vessel along the city’s waterfront. Police say the situation began around 2:45 PM at Thrifty Foods, where staff reported a man tried to leave the store with unpaid items. When confronted by store security, the suspect allegedly threatened a Loss Prevention Officer. Shortly afterward, the same individual was observed boarding a tugboat moored nearby. Officers who responded reported that he b
prince-george-rcmp-investigate-early-morning-shooting-on-ahbau-street
BCFeb 02, 2026

Prince George RCMP Investigate Early-Morning Shooting on Ahbau Street

Prince George RCMP are investigating a shooting that took place shortly before 3:00 a.m. on Friday, January 30, on the 600-block of Ahbau Street. Officers responding to the scene confirmed that no residents were injured during the incident. The early stages of the investigation suggest the shooting was targeted, and authorities say there is no ongoing risk to the public. Ahbau Street was temporarily closed while officers conducted their initial work but has since been reopened. Cst. Jenna Moore, media relations officer for the Prince George RCMP, urged anyone who witnessed the incident or noti
trump-signals-tariff-cut-for-india-after-pledge-to-halt-russian-oil-imports
WorldFeb 02, 2026

Trump signals tariff cut for India after pledge to halt Russian oil imports

U.S. President Donald Trump says his administration plans to lower tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent, down from the current 25 per cent, after India agreed to stop purchasing oil from Russia. The announcement follows months of pressure from Washington urging New Delhi to reduce its reliance on discounted Russian crude amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. India has been one of the world’s largest buyers of Russian oil since Moscow’s February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, taking advantage of lower prices as many Western countries moved to restrict energy trade with Russia. The issue has been a
pakistan-says-145-militants-killed-in-security-crackdown-after-deadly-balochistan-attacks
WorldFeb 02, 2026

Pakistan says 145 militants killed in security crackdown after deadly Balochistan attacks

Pakistan’s security forces say they have killed about 145 militants in a series of counter-operations across the southwestern province of Balochistan, following coordinated attacks that left around 50 people dead. The provincial government says the operations were launched shortly after the assaults, which targeted multiple locations early Saturday. Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti said the army and police responded swiftly after the attacks, which were later claimed by the banned separatist group Balochistan Liberation Army. He stated that those killed in the security operation were

Related News