Tactical evacuations ordered, Kelowna highway closed due to nearby fire
The Daves Creek fire, located 15 kilometers east of Kelowna, BC, has been brought under control as of August 12, 2025. The fire, which started on August 10, has grown to a size of 2.53 hectares before being contained.
The fire caused tactical evacuations in the Joe Rich area, with approximately 25 homes being evacuated. As of the latest update, these evacuation orders have been lifted, allowing residents to return home. However, three properties on Goudie Road remain on evacuation alert.
Highway 33, which was previously closed between Goudie Road and Cardinal Creek, has reopened to single-lane alternating traffic, although Goudie Road remains closed.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the BC Wildfire Service. Firefighting efforts involved multiple crews and helicopters, and mop-up operations continue with a small number of personnel still on site.
The fire was first discovered on Sunday afternoon, and a picture posted by BC Wildfire Service showed smoke near a hairpin curve on Highway 33, which runs through grasslands. The Central Okanagan Emergency Operations is asking evacuees to report to the Kelowna Salvation Army or the Joe Rich Community Hall, both of which are located on Highway 33.
The Kelowna Salvation Army is located at 1480 Sutherland Ave., while the Joe Rich Community Hall is located at 11481 Highway 33. The exact number of people affected by the evacuations is not clear.
This report was first published on Aug. 10, 2025, by The Canadian Press.
| Aspect | Latest Status | |----------------------|----------------------------------------------| | Fire Size | 2.53 hectares at containment | | Evacuations | Approximately 25 homes evacuated, now lifted; 3 properties remain on alert | | Highway Status | Highway 33 reopened to single-lane alternating traffic; Goudie Road remains closed | | Cause | Under investigation by BC Wildfire Service | | Fire Control | Fire now under control with ongoing mop-up |
This information reflects the situation as of mid-August 2025.
The BC Wildfire Service continues to investigate the cause of the Daves Creek fire in Toronto, which has brought attention to the importance of environmental science in understanding and preventing wildfires. The communities of Joe Rich and Kelowna have been affected by the evacuations and road closures, adding to the challenges the weather presents during fire season. With the fire now under control, the focus shifts to rebuilding and restoring the affected areas, emphasizing the resilience of the community.
