Know Before You Go
The Thompson Okanagan is a large region composed of beautiful, diverse landscapes. On this page, you will find current updates on travel conditions, forest fires, road conditions, avalanche resources, and other resources to help you plan a fun and informed trip. The communities in the Thompson Okanagan are excited to welcome visitors and look forward to hosting guests.
Do Your Part: To report a forest fire or irresponsible behaviour that could start a forest fire in British Columbia, please call 1-800-663-5555 or (*5555 from a cell phone) as soon as possible. Information from the public is crucial to the effectiveness of the response.
Stay up to date with the BC Wildfire App.
During the winter months, driving conditions can change quickly, be prepared with the proper tires and emergency kit when travelling by car. Get up-to-date information of road conditions at DriveBC.ca and Shift into Winter RoadSafetyatWork.ca.
*Important Updates
For Live Updates at EmergencyInfoBC.gov.bc.ca
There is currently a Forest Fire in Summerland and Peachland that has caused evacuations in those communities. Other parts of the region remain open and are welcoming visitors. Please refer to https://emergency.rdos.bc.ca/ and Drivebc.ca for live updates before travelling throughout the Thompson Okanagan and BC.
Due to the Bald Range forest fire, properties throughout Summerland, including Okanagan Lake Provincial Park are under evacuation order.
For Current Updates of the evacuation order, please visit Emergency.rdos.bc.ca.
For those under evacuation order, please refer to ESS.gov.bc.ca to register for support services. An emergency Support Services reception center is now set up in Penticton at 550 Eckhart Avenue West.
Travellers using Highway 5 (Coquihalla) between Hope and Merritt should prepare for significant delays during B.C. Day long weekend.
Learn more at news.gov.bc.ca
July 21, 2026, Highway 3 is closed in both directions from Sunshine Valley to Manning Park. Highway 5 is the only alternate route and watch for highway crews and signage.
Visit DriveBC.ca for up-to-date information.
July 2026, Chaumaux Road is closed in both directions due to Boston Bar forest fire.
Starts:
Boston Bar
At Boston Bar Station Rd and Chaumox Rd and Riverside Rd
Ends:
4 Barrel Rd
Visit DriveBC.ca for up-to-date information.
As of July 10th, 2026 a Category 1 campfire ban will be in effect in the Thompson Okanagan.
A category 1 campfire, as defined in the Wildfire Regulation, refers to any fire that is:
No larger than 0.5 metres high by 0.5 metres wide
Used for recreational purposes or by a First Nation for ceremonial purposes
For more information, please visit www.Gov.BC.ca.
July 2026, expect delays along Highway 1 between Tuckkwiowhum Rd and Jackass Summit for 26.9 km due to single lane traffic and reduced speed limit because of Boston Bar forest fire.
Visit DriveBC.ca for up-to-date information.
Expect Major Delays along Highway 3 as road maintenance work continues between Sunshine Valley and Manning Park Resort for 46.2 km. There is a speed reduction to 30 km/h and single lane alternating traffic only at KM 42 between Hope and Manning Park.
Follow speed limit and drive to weather conditions. Commercial vehicles encouraged to use alternate route. No oversized loads.
Visit DriveBC.ca for up-to-date information.
Important Phone Numbers to Note
Report forest fires or Irresponsible Behaviour 1-800-663-5555 or (*5555 from a cell phone)
Call 911 from anywhere in British Columbia to access fire, ambulance and police emergency services.
Evacuees and Receptions Centres call: Emergency Info BC at: 1-800-585-9559
BC Wildfire Information Line 1-888-336-7378
Kamloops Fire Centre Information Line 1-250-554-5965
ESS Evacuees Information 1-800-585-9559
Canadian Red Cross Evacuees Reunification 1-800-863-6582
Emergency Coordination Centre 1-800-663-3456
#RealTime Live Updates
Live Webcams From Communities in the Region
Real-Time Emergency Updates
Download the Free BC Wildfire App for up-to-date information and to report a fire using the app.