By Times Chronicle Staff
UPDATE August 12, 2:30 p.m.
The Evacuation Alert issued by the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen Emergency Operations Centre (RDOS EOC) on August 11, 2025, for the Conifryd Creek west of Highway 3, north of the Town of Osoyoos has been rescinded.
BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) and local firefighters will be working in the community and the RDOS reminds drivers to be mindful and considerate of these dedicated workers as they carry out their important tasks.
The RDOS said no further updates are planned at this time.
The RDOS EOC thanked the following agencies who assisted in the response:Apex Volunteer Fire Department, Anarchist Mountain Volunteer Fire Department, Kaleden Volunteer Fire Department, Keremeos & District Volunteer Fire Department, Naramata Volunteer Fire Department, Okanagan Falls Volunteer Fire Department, Willowbrook Volunteer Fire Department, Oliver and District Fire Department, Osoyoos Fire Rescue, Oliver and Osoyoos Search and Rescue, AIM Roads, BCWS and the RCMP.
UPDATE August 12, 11 a.m.
The BC Wildfire Service has declared the Conifryd Creek wildfire “Under Control”, with a dozen personnel working on remaining hot spots.
The fire is estimated to have been about 10 hectares in size and is suspect to be human caused.
The Osoyoos Fire Rescue (OFR) said it responded with nine trucks and 23 personnel.
It added: “On arrival of the first truck, firefighters came to a fast spreading wildfire along the highway. Crews quickly actioned the fire and set up for structure protection at neighbouring properties. Additional resources were requested to assist.”
The OFR thanked its responding counterparts that form the South Okanagan Task Force.
UPDATE 8:04 p.m.
The Town of Osoyoos says that wildfire K51497, 5 km west of town along Hwy. 3 no longer poses a risk to the town. The BC Wildfire Service has also indicated on its Wildfire Dashboard that the fire is “Being Held”.
Traffic on Hwy. 3 is single lane alternating.
“Thank you to Osoyoos Fire Rescue, BC Wildfire Service, Regional District Okanagan Similkameen, RCMP, and all responding jurisdictions for their coordinated response,” the town said.
The town advised drivers to check drivebc.ca for the latest updates on any Highway 3 closures or travel impacts.
“We will continue to monitor the situation and share updates if necessary.”
BC Wildfire Service photo showing the burn area off of Hwy. 3. Top of photo shows line of fire retardant.
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ORIGINAL
A wildfire burning 5 km west of Osoyoos has closed Hwy. 3 in both directions with DriveBC saying detour is in effect using Hwy. 3a Keremeos to Kalden to Hwy. 97.
According to the BC Wildfire Service, the fire is estimated at 7.5 ha. with no additional details on the response.
The Regional District and the Town of Osoyoos are aware of what is being described as a fast-moving wildfire west of Highway 3 near the Industrial Park. “Residents in the area should be prepared to leave if notified,” the RDOS said.
BC Wildfire Service map showing the location west of Osoyoos.
The Lower Similkameen Indian Band (LSIB) said its Chief and Council, as well as Emergency Management, are aware of a fire which was first detected sometime before 6 p.m. BC Wildfire Service, Regional District of Okanagan–Similkameen, and Osoyoos Fire Rescue, along with other firefighting resources, are fully aware and responding, the LSIB said.
The Oliver Fire Rescue has posted on social media at about 6:30 p.m. that it is currently en route to assist Osoyoos Fire Rescue with a large wildfire burning on Highway 3. “This will be in the role of direct action and structural protection,” it said.
Wildfire burning at Conifryd Creek, 5 km west of Osoyoos.
OFD photo via Facebook
“LSIB is currently in monitoring posture. We send our best wishes to our neighbours, colleagues, all residents, and all responders to be safe.”
The Times Chronicle will update as more information is available.
