The Bradley Creek wildfire near Vernon, British Columbia, is now being held as crews continue monitoring the fire while electricity is restored to thousands of properties affected by the blaze and a powerful windstorm.
The wildfire, which began July 31 on Okanagan Indian Band land west of Vernon, has burned an estimated 2,634.8 hectares.
The B.C. Wildfire Service classified the Bradley Creek fire as “Being Held” on Sunday, meaning the fire is projected to remain within its current perimeter based on fuel, weather conditions and available firefighting resources.
Bradley Creek Fire Being Held Near Vernon
The change in fire status follows sustained work by wildfire crews, local fire departments, aviation teams, heavy-equipment operators and other emergency partners.
Officials said the combined effort has allowed crews to patrol the fire perimeter and maintain control lines around the blaze.
Although the fire is now being held, officials have not declared it out or fully contained.
Evacuation measures remain in place for some properties in the Okanagan Indian Band and surrounding areas, although several orders and alerts have been downgraded as conditions improve.
Power Returns to Thousands of Properties
The wildfire damaged electricity infrastructure across the affected area, leaving thousands of customers without power.
B.C. Hydro said approximately 2,700 customers affected by the Bradley Creek wildfire and windstorm had their electricity restored as of Sunday.
Power restoration has been taking place in phases as crews repair and rebuild damaged sections of the electrical system.
Nearly 75 power poles have needed to be repaired or replaced as crews work to restore service.
Around 230 customers remained without power at the time of the latest update.
B.C. Hydro also restored electricity to 84 customers in the Kelly Lake area.
The utility has been working with the District of Summerland and FortisBC on power restoration in Summerland, where B.C. Hydro does not provide electricity.
Evacuation Orders and Alerts Change
As firefighters made progress on the Bradley Creek wildfire, some evacuation measures were reduced.
The Township of Spallumcheen said properties that had previously been under evacuation orders were moved to evacuation alerts, while other alerts were removed.
The Columbia Shuswap Regional District also lifted evacuation alerts for properties along Highway 97 from the Sweetsbridge and Cedar Hill area through Glenemma and northward along parts of Yankee Flats and Salmon River Roads.
However, evacuation measures have not disappeared across the entire wildfire zone.
Residents in areas still under an evacuation order or alert are being urged to follow official emergency instructions and remain prepared for further changes.
Bradley Creek Fire Continues to Be Monitored
Despite the improved fire status, the Bradley Creek wildfire remains a significant incident in the Vernon and Okanagan region.
The fire has burned more than 2,600 hectares, and crews continue monitoring the perimeter for hotspots and changes in fire behaviour.
Officials have also warned residents to remain prepared for extended power outages and other emergencies associated with the ongoing wildfire situation.
Emergency preparedness officials recommend that households maintain emergency kits, grab-and-go bags and an emergency plan while wildfire risks remain elevated across British Columbia.
Bradley Creek Wildfire: What We Know
Fire: Bradley Creek wildfire
Location: Okanagan Indian Band land near Vernon, British Columbia
Started: July 31, 2026
Estimated area burned: 2,634.8 hectares
Current status: Being Held
Evacuation status: Some orders downgraded to alerts; some measures remain
Power restored: Approximately 2,700 customers
Customers still without power: Approximately 230 at the time of the latest report
Power infrastructure: Nearly 75 poles repaired or replaced
Additional power restoration: 84 Kelly Lake customers
Cause: Not confirmed in the latest report
Status: Being Held, with crews continuing monitoring and recovery work
The Bradley Creek wildfire is no longer spreading beyond its current perimeter according to the latest “Being Held” classification, but emergency crews and utility workers remain active in the area.
Residents should continue monitoring official emergency alerts for evacuation changes, power restoration updates and any renewed fire activity.