22.38°C Vancouver

Aug 25, 2023 6:14 PM - The Canadian Press

Travel ban lifted for BC's Okanagan

Share On
travel-ban-lifted-for-bcs-okanagan
Parts of West Kelowna, Westbank First Nation and parts of Lake Country are however still under evacuation orders.(Photo: The Canadian Press)

A travel ban has been lifted for BC's Okanagan region as wildfires subside after this week's rain.

Emergency Management Minister Bowinn Ma announced yesterday that travel restrictions for West Kelowna have been lifted from midnight.

On August 9, travel restrictions were imposed in most parts of the region.

Parts of West Kelowna, Westbank First Nation and parts of Lake Country are however still under evacuation orders.

Travel bans for Penticton, Vernon, Kelowna and Kamloops were lifted earlier.

The Emergency Operations Center has appealed that people returning home should ensure safety.

The Stein Mountain fire near Lytton, B.C., has now spread to 33 square kilometers in size.

Several homes in North Lytton have been ordered to evacuate.

There are currently about 370 wildfires active in B.C., and approximately 18,000 square kilometers of land has been burned by these devastating wildfires.

Latest news

two-men-charged-in-windsor-child-grooming-human-trafficking-investigation-police-seek-two-more-suspects
BCJul 09, 2026

Two men charged in Windsor child grooming, human trafficking investigation

Two Windsor men are facing a combined 17 criminal charges after a Windsor Police Service investigation into the alleged grooming, sexual exploitation and human trafficking of two underage girls. Police say two additional suspects remain outstanding. According to a Windsor Police Service news release, the investigation began in April 2026 after the Human Trafficking Unit received information that a youth had been groomed and sexually exploited by an unknown suspect. Investigators allege the victim met a man using the name "Jack" on Snapchat before the relationship moved offline. Police allege t
BCJul 09, 2026

109 people died from unregulated drugs in B.C. during May, preliminary coroner data shows

A preliminary report from the BC Coroners Service says 109 people died from unregulated drug toxicity in British Columbia during May 2026, an average of 3.5 deaths per day. According to the BC Coroners Service, this is the lowest monthly total since February 2020, when 79 deaths were recorded. The agency noted the figures are preliminary and may change as investigations are completed. The provincial government said adults between the ages of 30 and 59 accounted for 68 per cent of all unregulated drug deaths recorded during the first five months of 2026, while men represented 76 per cent of tho
BCJul 09, 2026

Three charged after Surrey investigation into alleged 3D-printed firearms and drug trafficking

Three people, including one woman, have been charged following a British Columbia anti-gang investigation into the alleged manufacture of illegal firearms using a 3D printer and drug trafficking in Surrey. According to the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia (CFSEU-BC), the charges follow an investigation stemming from the execution of a search warrant at a Surrey residence in September 2025. Media Relations Officer Sgt. Sarbjit Kaur Sangha said investigators found a 3D printer actively producing a firearm when officers entered the home. Police said officers seized a 3
CanadaJul 09, 2026

Quebec introduces testing requirement for newer Ontario truck drivers seeking licence transfers

The Quebec government has announced temporary measures requiring some Ontario truck drivers to pass a practical road test before transferring their commercial licences to Quebec, citing concerns about driver training and road safety. Under the changes announced Thursday, Ontario Class 1 truck drivers with less than two years of driving experience who want to exchange their licence for a Quebec equivalent will now be required to pass a practical driving examination. Drivers who fail the test twice will be required to complete additional training before becoming eligible, according to the Quebec
several-structures-destroyed-as-two-out-of-control-wildfires-burn-in-b-c-s-fraser-canyon
BCJul 09, 2026

Several Structures Destroyed as Two Out-of-Control Wildfires Burn in B.C.'s Fraser Canyon

Several structures have been destroyed by two out-of-control wildfires burning in British Columbia's Fraser Canyon region, according to the Fraser Valley Regional District. Officials say conditions near Boston Bar remain too dangerous for crews to complete a full assessment of the damage. According to authorities, the Ainslie Creek wildfire has grown to 16,987 hectares after igniting on July 4. The Brunswick Creek wildfire, first detected on July 2, has also expanded and is now estimated at approximately 2,600 hectares. Reports indicate Blue Lake Resort has sustained significant damage from th

Related News