DAILY INTELLIGENCE LOG

STRUCTURE DEFENCE

British Columbia & Alberta

Thursday, August 20, 2026

Information current as of approximately 8:30 a.m. Pacific Time.

Wildfire conditions, evacuation boundaries, road access, utilities, restrictions and fire behaviour can change quickly. Instructions from the responsible local government, First Nation, emergency authority or transportation agency always take priority.

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STRUCTURE DEFENCE TAKEAWAY

Here’s what we know:

Bald Range remains the most consequential community wildfire and recovery operation in British Columbia this morning.

The latest RDOS update reported no new changes to Evacuation Orders or Alerts on Wednesday.

Approximately 150 structures remain preliminarily identified as damaged or destroyed across Summerland and Electoral Area F, and re-entry continues to be assessed area by area.

Highway 97 through Summerland remains open in both directions 24 hours a day.

A new operational concern emerged Wednesday: BC Wildfire Service reported that critical suppression equipment, including pumps, has been stolen from the Bald Range response and that the theft is affecting firefighting operations.

Elsewhere, the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District continues to list active Evacuation Orders associated with Pear Lake, Riley Creek and Bonanza Creek.

Highway 1 remains closed north of Hells Gate because wildfire continues to affect the Fraser Canyon corridor.

Alberta’s latest official Wildfires of Note update continues to list no Wildfires of Note.

Here’s what we’re watching:

The immediate environmental concern is the final and hottest portion of the current southern Interior heat period.

Summerland is forecast near 34°C today and 35°C Friday.

Lillooet is forecast near 36°C today and 37°C Friday.

Boston Bar is forecast near 36°C today and approximately 40°C Friday.

A substantial weather transition is then expected over the weekend, with cooler temperatures and showers possible across several priority regions.

The key question is not simply whether rain appears in the forecast.

We will be watching how much actually falls, where it falls, whether wind arrives ahead of the moisture and how existing fires respond after several consecutive hot days.

Here’s why it matters:

The wildfire picture is no longer one of uniform escalation.

Some communities are returning home while other properties remain under Order.

Major transportation routes are reopening in some regions while Highway 1 remains closed in the Fraser Canyon.

And fires can remain operationally significant even while the public-facing emergency begins shifting toward recovery.

That is why wildfire intelligence has to remain local, current and grounded in what is actually changing.

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TODAY'S CONDITIONS

BALD RANGE — SUMMERLAND AND RDOS

Here’s what we know:

Bald Range remains an active Wildfire of Note and a major community recovery operation.

The current BC Wildfire Service incident page was rechecked this morning.

Because the authoritative public text available at publication time did not expose a sufficiently fresh hectare figure, this report is not carrying yesterday’s fire-size estimate forward as though it represents a current live perimeter.

The latest RDOS update, issued Wednesday afternoon, reported no new Evacuation Order or Alert changes.

Re-entry continues to be assessed area by area.

Approximately:

• 110 structures are preliminarily identified as damaged or destroyed in RDOS Electoral Area F, including Faulder and Meadow Valley.

• 40 structures are preliminarily identified as damaged or destroyed within the District of Summerland.

These numbers remain preliminary.

A Boil Water Notice also remains in effect in affected areas until testing is completed and the notice is formally lifted with Interior Health approval.

Highway 97 remains open through Summerland in both directions 24 hours a day.

Residents and travellers should still expect wildfire-response and recovery operations around affected neighbourhoods.

A separate operational concern emerged Wednesday.

BC Wildfire Service reported that critical suppression equipment, including pumps, has been stolen from the Bald Range wildfire response.

Officials say the theft is affecting firefighting operations.

Summerland is forecast near:

• Thursday — 34°C

• Friday — 35°C

• Saturday — approximately 29°C with a couple of afternoon showers possible

• Sunday — approximately 24°C

The overnight low Friday night is forecast around 22°C, indicating limited nighttime cooling before the weekend transition.

Here’s what we’re watching:

• Fire activity during today and Friday's heat

• Overnight humidity recovery

• Additional Evacuation Order downgrades

• Properties remaining under Order

• Damage-assessment updates

• Electricity restoration

• Drinking-water status

• Hazardous-tree and slope work

• Theft or interference affecting suppression operations

• Timing and rainfall amounts during Saturday's weather change

Here’s why it matters:

Bald Range is now simultaneously a suppression incident and a recovery operation.

The hottest weather since re-entry began arrives today and Friday.

That does not mean evacuation areas will expand.

It does mean existing fire edges, hotspots and control work will be tested after several consecutive warm days.

The theft of suppression equipment adds a separate human-caused operational problem.

Wildfire equipment left on the landscape is not abandoned equipment. Pumps, hose, fittings and other equipment may be actively supporting kilometres of fire line or structure-protection operations even when nobody is standing beside them.

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LILLOOET — RILEY CREEK, TEXAS CREEK AND PEAR LAKE ENVIRONMENT

Here’s what we know:

The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District refreshed several wildfire emergency listings Wednesday evening.

Current SLRD listings continue to include:

• Evacuation Order — Riley Creek, Electoral Area B

• Evacuation Alert — Riley Creek, Electoral Area B

• Evacuation Order — Pear Lake, Electoral Area B

• Evacuation Alert — Pear Lake, Electoral Area B

Riley Creek remains associated with the Texas Creek wildfire environment south of Lillooet.

Pear Lake remains a large multi-jurisdictional wildfire environment extending well beyond the SLRD.

No new SLRD evacuation expansion was identified during this morning's scan.

Lillooet is forecast near:

• Thursday — 36°C

• Friday — 37°C

• Saturday — approximately 32°C with afternoon showers possible

• Sunday — approximately 24°C with morning showers possible

Here’s what we’re watching:

• Riley Creek Order and Alert boundaries

• Pear Lake evacuation changes

• Structure-protection operations around Texas Creek

• Fine-fuel drying today and Friday

• Overnight humidity recovery

• Friday afternoon fire behaviour

• Timing of Saturday's weather transition

• Actual rainfall received on the fire areas

• Wind associated with the transition

Here’s why it matters:

Lillooet is entering the hottest portion of the current weather sequence.

Friday's approximately 37°C forecast comes after several consecutive hot days.

The operational significance therefore comes from accumulated drying rather than Friday's temperature alone.

Saturday could provide meaningful relief.

But that depends on whether useful rainfall reaches the actual fire areas rather than simply appearing in the regional forecast.

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BONANZA CREEK — BRIDGE RIVER AND SOUTH CHILCOTIN

Here’s what we know:

The SLRD continues to list both an Evacuation Order and Evacuation Alert associated with the Bonanza Creek wildfire in Electoral Area A.

The Alert listing was refreshed Wednesday evening.

No authoritative overnight Order expansion was identified.

The broader incident remains important because of:

• Remote rural properties

• Ranch operations

• Limited road alternatives

• Backcountry recreation

• Long evacuation travel times

Here’s what we’re watching:

• Changes to the Evacuation Order

• Bridge River Valley access

• Fire behaviour during the heat

• Livestock and ranch impacts

• Weekend rainfall

• Lightning or holdover-fire potential following the weather transition

Here’s why it matters:

Evacuation planning in remote areas is different from planning in an urban neighbourhood.

Moving livestock, trailers or vulnerable residents over long distances and limited roads can take considerable time.

That makes the Alert stage particularly valuable.

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TWIN TWO — ELECTORAL AREA C

Here’s what we know:

The SLRD currently lists Twin Two at Evacuation Alert.

This represents a more favourable operational position than the Evacuation Order environment experienced earlier in the incident.

No new escalation was identified during this morning's scan.

Here’s what we’re watching:

• Whether the remaining Alert can be lifted

• Backcountry and local-road access

• Existing hotspot activity

• Weekend rainfall

• New lightning ignitions

Here’s why it matters:

Moving from Order to Alert is meaningful progress.

Residents should nevertheless keep evacuation preparations available while the Alert remains formally in effect.

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FRASER CANYON — HELLS GATE, BOSTON BAR AND NORTH BEND

Here’s what we know:

Highway 1 remains closed because wildfire continues to affect the corridor north of Hells Gate.

DriveBC continues to list:

• Southbound closure south of Boston Bar

• Northbound closure farther south in the Fraser Canyon

This remains one of the most significant wildfire-related transportation impacts in British Columbia.

The hazard environment includes more than flame:

• Fire-damaged trees

• Rockfall

• Slope instability

• Rail infrastructure

• Power and communications

• Water systems

• Limited emergency access

The heat signal is particularly strong here.

Boston Bar is forecast near:

• Thursday — 36°C

• Friday — approximately 40°C

• Saturday — approximately 33°C with afternoon showers possible

• Sunday — approximately 23°C with a morning shower possible, followed by breezier conditions

Friday is the strongest heat signal in today's report.

Here’s what we’re watching:

• Highway 1 reopening criteria

• Remaining wildfire activity

• Friday's approximately 40°C heat

• Overnight recovery tonight

• Hazard-tree removal

• Slope and rock stability

• Saturday wind

• Rainfall amounts

• Whether cooler Sunday conditions improve recovery work

Here’s why it matters:

The Fraser Canyon faces two different wildfire problems at once.

Extreme heat can affect remaining fire activity.

But highway reopening may ultimately depend more on burned trees, unstable slopes and infrastructure than on flame behaviour.

The expected weekend temperature drop is substantial.

That could help suppression and recovery, but stronger winds associated with the weather transition will also matter.

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SOUTHEAST BRITISH COLUMBIA

Here’s what we know:

The Southeast remains warm and dry today and Friday.

Cranbrook is forecast near:

• Thursday — 32°C

• Friday — 33°C

• Saturday — approximately 32°C with isolated afternoon thunderstorm potential

• Sunday — approximately 25°C

Multiple wildfire Area Restrictions remain active across the Southeast Fire Centre.

Broad prevention restrictions also remain in place.

Here’s what we’re watching:

• Continued drying today and Friday

• Saturday thunderstorm development

• Lightning outside meaningful rainfall

• Thunderstorm outflow winds

• Holdover fires emerging Sunday through Tuesday

• Existing wildfire response to the weekend weather change

Here’s why it matters:

The Southeast does not currently have a community emergency comparable to Bald Range.

The more important regional concern is new-start potential.

Several warm days followed by thunderstorms can create a classic holdover-fire environment if lightning occurs outside meaningful rainfall.

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ALBERTA

Here’s what we know:

Alberta's latest official Wildfires of Note update lists no Wildfires of Note within the Forest Protection Area.

No major new community-threatening Alberta wildfire was identified during this morning's scan.

Recent rainfall has produced materially more favourable conditions across several southern and west-central Alberta forest areas than are currently present in southern British Columbia.

Rocky Mountain House is forecast near:

• Thursday — 24°C with showers and a thunderstorm possible

• Friday — 26°C

• Saturday — 29°C

• Sunday — 25°C with another thunderstorm possible

Here’s what we’re watching:

• Lightning today

• Rainfall coverage

• Areas receiving lightning but little meaningful precipitation

• Holdover-fire detections Friday through the weekend

• Any new Wildfire of Note

• Local forest-area or municipal restriction changes

Here’s why it matters:

Alberta remains operationally quiet.

The near-term issue is not a province-wide escalation signal.

It is localized lightning ignition.

A thunderstorm can lower wildfire danger where useful rain falls and create an ignition a short distance away where it does not.

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ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS

TODAY AND FRIDAY REPRESENT THE PEAK OF THE CURRENT SOUTHERN INTERIOR HEAT PERIOD

Here’s what we know:

Several major wildfire environments are approaching the hottest point in the current multi-day cycle.

SUMMERLAND

• Thursday — 34°C

• Friday — 35°C

LILLOOET

• Thursday — 36°C

• Friday — 37°C

BOSTON BAR

• Thursday — 36°C

• Friday — approximately 40°C

CRANBROOK

• Thursday — 32°C

• Friday — 33°C

Here’s what we’re watching:

• Overnight relative-humidity recovery

• Fine-fuel moisture

• Afternoon fire activity

• Hotspot activity

• Whether established guards and control lines hold

• Heat exposure for firefighters and recovery crews

Here’s why it matters:

The key signal is cumulative.

These temperatures arrive after multiple preceding warm days.

Fine fuels repeatedly dry during daytime heating, while warm nights can reduce the period available for meaningful recovery.

Heat is an indicator.

It does not predict where a wildfire will move or whether an evacuation boundary will change.

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WEEKEND WEATHER TRANSITION

Here’s what we know:

A significant temperature change is forecast beginning Saturday and becoming more pronounced Sunday.

Summerland:

• Friday — 35°C

• Saturday — 29°C with showers possible

• Sunday — 24°C

Lillooet:

• Friday — 37°C

• Saturday — 32°C with showers possible

• Sunday — 24°C

Boston Bar:

• Friday — 40°C

• Saturday — 33°C with showers possible

• Sunday — 23°C

Cranbrook:

• Friday — 33°C

• Saturday — 32°C with isolated thunderstorm potential

• Sunday — 25°C

Here’s what we’re watching:

• Exact timing of the transition

• Wind arriving before rainfall

• Thunderstorm outflow

• Measured rainfall totals

• Duration of wetting

• Overnight humidity recovery Saturday night

• Fire response Sunday

Here’s why it matters:

A cooler forecast does not automatically mean an uncomplicated improvement.

If stronger wind arrives before useful rain, fire behaviour can temporarily increase during the transition.

The most useful information will therefore be what actually happens at the fire rather than the forecast temperature change alone.

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RAINFALL AND PROLONGED DRYNESS

Here’s what we know:

No widespread soaking rainfall is expected across the major southern Interior wildfire environments today or Friday.

The better rainfall opportunity begins Saturday.

Alberta has received considerably more useful moisture during the recent period.

Southern British Columbia remains much less uniform.

Here’s what we’re watching:

• Rainfall totals Saturday

• Duration of precipitation

• Coverage across active fire perimeters

• Locations that miss showers

• Fine-fuel response

• Moisture reaching deeper forest-floor layers

Here’s why it matters:

A rainfall icon does not tell us enough.

For wildfire purposes, the important questions are:

How much rain fell?

Where did it fall?

How long did it last?

A short shower may substantially change grass moisture while having relatively little effect on large dead fuels or deeper organic layers.

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DROUGHT AND FIRE-WEATHER INDICATORS

Here’s what we know:

Drought Code, Fine Fuel Moisture Code and Buildup Index are station-specific components of the Canadian Forest Fire Weather Index system.

No single authoritative Drought Code value accurately represents Bald Range, Pear Lake, Riley Creek, the Fraser Canyon and Southeast British Columbia together.

Publishing one province-wide number would create false precision.

The observed operational pattern currently tells us more:

• Bald Range remains a major active suppression and recovery operation.

• Pear Lake, Riley Creek and Bonanza Creek retain active Evacuation Orders.

• The southern Interior is reaching the hottest portion of a multi-day drying cycle.

• Widespread wetting rainfall has not yet arrived.

• Alberta has experienced a much more meaningful recent moisture improvement.

Here’s what we’re watching:

• Local Drought Code trends

• Fine Fuel Moisture Code

• Buildup Index

• Overnight humidity recovery

• Consecutive rain-free days

• Response of active fires after the weekend weather change

Here’s why it matters:

Fine fuels can change within hours.

Deeper drought indicators respond much more slowly.

A region can therefore experience improved short-term fire weather while retaining substantial seasonal dryness.

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WIND

Here’s what we know:

A major broad wind event is not the dominant signal this morning.

The more important period may occur during the weekend weather transition.

Terrain-driven winds remain relevant around:

• Bald Range

• Okanagan valleys

• Lillooet and Texas Creek

• Fraser Canyon

• Southeast mountain valleys

Here’s what we’re watching:

• Afternoon slope and valley winds

• Saturday frontal wind

• Thunderstorm outflow

• Wind arriving before rainfall

• Spotting

• Smoke movement

• Hazard-tree failure

Here’s why it matters:

Fire responds to the wind at the fire perimeter.

Terrain can channel or accelerate winds substantially beyond what a broad regional forecast suggests.

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LIGHTNING AND HOLDOVER-FIRE POTENTIAL

Here’s what we know:

Lightning becomes increasingly relevant as the weather pattern changes.

Thunderstorm potential is present today in west-central Alberta.

Saturday brings isolated thunderstorm potential to portions of Southeast British Columbia.

Additional unsettled conditions may follow the transition.

Here’s what we’re watching:

• Lightning outside meaningful rainfall

• New smoke after thunderstorms

• Holdover fires appearing one to several days later

• Thunderstorm outflow wind

• Multiple simultaneous Initial Attack incidents

Here’s why it matters:

A lightning-caused fire may remain concealed in roots, duff or heavier fuels.

Wet thunderstorms can therefore create fires that do not become visible until the landscape begins drying again.

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GRASS CURING AND HUMAN ACTIVITY

Here’s what we know:

Cured grass and other fine fuels remain receptive to ignition across dry portions of southern British Columbia.

The next two hot days will continue drying exposed fuels.

Human activity remains an important operational concern.

Common preventable ignition sources include:

• Trailer chains dragging on pavement

• Hot exhaust systems in cured vegetation

• Machinery striking rock or metal

• Smoking materials

• Improperly extinguished fires

• Fireworks and exploding targets where prohibited

• Recreational off-road vehicle use where prohibited

There is also another type of human activity worth highlighting today.

The theft of BC Wildfire Service pumps and other critical equipment from the Bald Range response is directly affecting suppression operations.

Here’s what we’re watching:

• Roadside starts

• Agricultural and industrial ignitions

• Equipment use during the hottest afternoon period

• Compliance with ORV restrictions

• Theft, vandalism or interference involving suppression equipment

• New human-caused fires competing for Initial Attack resources

Here’s why it matters:

Wildfire-response equipment may be left unattended along roads, water sources or control lines because it is part of a larger operating system.

Removing one pump can affect hose lines and suppression work far beyond the point where that equipment was located.

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RESTRICTIONS AND PROHIBITIONS

Here’s what we know:

KAMLOOPS FIRE CENTRE

• Category 1 campfires remain prohibited.

• Category 2 open fires remain prohibited.

• Category 3 open fires remain prohibited.

• Recreational off-road vehicle use on Crown land remains prohibited.

CARIBOO FIRE CENTRE

• Category 1 campfires remain prohibited.

• Category 2 and Category 3 open fires remain prohibited.

• Recreational off-road vehicle restrictions remain active in the affected Cariboo areas.

SOUTHEAST FIRE CENTRE

• Category 1 campfires remain prohibited.

• Category 2 open fires remain prohibited.

• Category 3 open fires remain prohibited.

• Recreational off-road vehicle use on Crown land remains prohibited.

• Multiple wildfire Area Restrictions remain active.

PRINCE GEORGE FIRE CENTRE — NEW TODAY

A new Category 2 and Category 3 open-fire prohibition takes effect at noon today, August 20, in the Stuart Nechako Forest District's VanJam Fire Zone.

Category 1 campfires are not included in that specific new prohibition.

This is the most meaningful new broad restriction identified during the mandatory 72-hour forward scan.

ALBERTA

Restrictions remain location-specific by forest area, municipality and park.

No province-wide Alberta wildfire prohibition or significant new restriction associated with a major incident was identified during this morning's review.

Here’s what we’re watching:

• Further restrictions during the current heat

• Whether weekend moisture results in future rescindments

• New wildfire Area Restrictions

• Any additional prohibition announced for implementation within the next 72 hours

Here’s why it matters:

Restrictions change through official action.

A cooler day or rainfall event does not automatically make a prohibited activity legal.

The exact location and activity must always be checked.

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HOMEOWNER IMPLICATIONS

For residents under Evacuation Order:

• Remain outside the restricted area until the responsible authority formally permits return.

• Do not re-enter to inspect property or activate wildfire-protection systems.

• Follow current instructions regarding pets, livestock and Temporary Access Permits.

For residents under Evacuation Alert:

• Keep vehicles fuelled and ready.

• Keep identification, medications and essential documents prepared.

• Maintain transportation arrangements for pets, livestock and anyone requiring assistance.

• Confirm current evacuation routes.

• Continue monitoring the official map for the exact property.

For residents returning home:

• Confirm that the exact address has formally moved from Order to Alert or All Clear.

• Confirm drinking-water status before normal household use.

• Treat damaged electrical infrastructure and downed lines as energized.

• Watch for unstable trees, burned roots, ash pits and unstable slopes.

• Expect firefighters, utility crews and recovery personnel.

• Keep evacuation supplies available while an Alert remains active.

For residents outside evacuation areas:

• Continue basic wildfire maintenance.

• Remove dry debris from gutters, decks and areas immediately beside structures.

• Keep grass short where practical.

• Avoid operating hot equipment in cured vegetation during the hottest part of the day.

• Follow current campfire, open-fire and ORV prohibitions.

These actions improve readiness.

They are not predictions and cannot guarantee structure survival.

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WHAT CHANGED SINCE YESTERDAY

BALD RANGE — NO NEW EVACUATION EXPANSION

• RDOS reported no new Evacuation Order or Alert changes Wednesday.

• Re-entry continues to be assessed area by area.

• Some properties remain under Order because of fire impacts, infrastructure or other site-specific hazards.

BALD RANGE — SUPPRESSION EQUIPMENT THEFT

• BC Wildfire Service reported that critical wildfire suppression equipment, including pumps, has been stolen.

• Officials say the theft is affecting firefighting operations.

• The equipment is clearly marked as BC Wildfire Service or Government of British Columbia property.

BALD RANGE — RECOVERY

• Approximately 150 structures remain preliminarily identified as damaged or destroyed.

• Approximately 110 are in Electoral Area F, including Faulder and Meadow Valley.

• Approximately 40 are within Summerland.

• The Boil Water Notice remains active in affected areas.

• The Summerland Recovery Centre is operating.

• The Penticton Comfort Centre closed Wednesday as the emergency increasingly transitions toward recovery.

HIGHWAY 97

• Highway 97 remains open through Summerland in both directions 24 hours a day.

SLRD — CURRENT ORDERS RECONFIRMED

The SLRD refreshed several emergency listings Wednesday evening.

Active Orders remain associated with:

• Pear Lake

• Riley Creek

• Bonanza Creek

Twin Two remains under Evacuation Alert.

FRASER CANYON

• Highway 1 remains closed north of Hells Gate.

ALBERTA

• The latest official Wildfires of Note update continues to list no Wildfires of Note.

RESTRICTIONS

• A new Category 2 and Category 3 open-fire prohibition takes effect at noon today in the Stuart Nechako Forest District's VanJam Fire Zone within the Prince George Fire Centre.

ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE

• The current southern Interior heat period peaks today and Friday.

• Summerland reaches approximately 34°C today and 35°C Friday.

• Lillooet reaches approximately 36°C today and 37°C Friday.

• Boston Bar reaches approximately 36°C today and around 40°C Friday.

• A substantial cooling and shower opportunity begins Saturday and strengthens Sunday.

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WHAT WE’RE WATCHING NEXT

• Bald Range fire behaviour during today's and Friday's heat

• Additional Summerland and RDOS re-entry

• Properties remaining under Evacuation Order

• Bald Range damage-assessment updates

• Drinking-water and electrical restoration

• Suppression-equipment theft or interference

• Pear Lake Evacuation Order

• Riley Creek and Texas Creek

• Bonanza Creek

• Twin Two Alert status

• Highway 1 reopening through the Fraser Canyon

• Friday's approximately 40°C forecast around Boston Bar

• Overnight humidity recovery

• Timing of Saturday's weather transition

• Wind arriving ahead of rainfall

• Measured rainfall totals

• Lightning and thunderstorm outflow

• Holdover-fire detections Saturday through early next week

• New significant wildfire starts

• Alberta wildfire activity

• The new Prince George Fire Centre prohibition taking effect at noon

• Any additional restriction scheduled within the next 72 hours

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SOURCES CONSULTED

• BC Wildfire Service

• EmergencyInfoBC

• EmergencyMapBC

• Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen

• District of Summerland

• Squamish-Lillooet Regional District

• Thompson-Nicola Regional District

• DriveBC

• BC Wildfire Service Prohibitions and Restrictions

• Alberta Wildfire

• Alberta Wildfires of Note

• Alberta forest-area wildfire updates

• Alberta Fire Bans

• Environment and Climate Change Canada