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Regional Wildfire Evening Update: July 23, 2026

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REGIONAL WILDFIRE EVENING UPDATE (posted: 11:59pm July 23.2026)

Environment Canada has just issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for the south East Kootenay - including the Cranbrook and Kimberley ares and the South Country. If the storm materializes, it could bring with it strong winds, lightning, hail or rain. It is currently tracking east of Boswell and moving east at 50km/hr. The latest status and details on all alerts, including alerts that are not part of your subscription, can be found here.

Turning to the Regional Wildfire update, there are no significant changes to report on the wildfire front across the region tonight.

The Evacuation ALERTS remain in effect for all properties within the City of Kimberley in relation to the Matthew Creek Fire and for 66 properties in the St. Mary Lake area due to the Tower Creek Fires and there have been NO CHANGESto the status of the Alerts. An Area Restriction was issued today in relation to the Matthew Creek Fire, and it can beviewed here.

Away from the fire front today, perhaps the biggest challenge we faced was the rampant and UNTRUE rumours of an "imminent Evacuation Order" that spread (pardon the pun) like wildfire. In tonight's Operations Update I spent time with Kimberley Fire Chief Will Booth, who is appealing to residents to rely on factual information sources and stop rumours in their tracks.

Interior Health Moves Vulnerable Patients 

Additional Preparedness Information 

  • For those looking for additional preparedness information, we've added some new links to theEmergency Information page on the RDEK's website, including a list of storage and parking options for RVs, links to the Vulnerable Persons Database, and a host of Emergency Support Services preparedness links (including tips for pets, and how to get your BC Services card app set up and pre-register for ESS support).

Air Quality Advisory in Effect

  • An Air Quality Advisory is in effect for the entire East Kootenay region (and right across the southern interior). 
  • Smoke levels may still be elevated indoors, so stay aware of your symptoms even when you are indoors. A few tips that may help reduce the impacts of the smoke (particularly on those who may be more negatively impacted by the smoky conditions) include:
    • When indoors, keep windows and doors closed. If it is hot, prioritize keeping cool.
    • Protect your indoor air from wildfire smoke. Use a clean, good quality air filter in your ventilation system and/or a certified portable air cleaner that can filter fine particles. 
    • If your home is smoky or hot, spend time in places with cleaner, air conditioned air such as community centres or libraries.
    • A well-constructed, well-fitting and properly worn respirator type mask (such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent respirator) can reduce your exposure outdoors to the fine particles in the smoke. 
    • Keep vehicle windows closed with the air flow (or air conditioning) set to recirculate.
  • CLICK HERE to view a link to view the Air Quality Notice and more information on how to help reduce exposure.

Campfire Bans in Effect

  • A quick reminder that the Campfire Ban started this afternoon for the entire Southeast Fire Centre (including the RDEK). 
  • In addition, Parks Canada announced that a fire ban starting today (Thursday) at 1pm for Redstreak Campground in Kootenay National Park. Lighting or maintaining fires is strictly prohibited until further notice. Campfires are permitted in designated fire pits in other Kootenay National Park frontcountry campgrounds. Campfires are prohibited in all backcountry campgrounds in Kootenay National Park.