# Wildfire-related power outages and evacuations in BC

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/wildfire-related-power-outages-in-british-columbia
> Updated: 2026-08-10T02:37:11.000Z. Sources: 52. Developments: 2.

Wildfires in British Columbia have caused widespread power outages and infrastructure damage across several regions. In the East Kootenay region, approximately 18,000 residents between Golden and Canal Flats lost electricity due to wildfire damage to transmission systems, which also led to business closures and communication disruptions in areas like Radium Hot Springs. In response to wildfires such as the Bradley Creek and Pear Lake fires, BC Hydro has begun phased restoration efforts. Crews have repaired damaged poles and lines near Vernon, Clinton, and the Kelly Lake area. While several thousand customers have had service restored, some residents remain without electricity as utility crews continue to assess damage and coordinate with local districts. Recent recovery efforts have seen significant progress. Following damage from both wildfires and a recent windstorm, BC Hydro has restored power to 2,700 customers near Vernon, 500 in the Village of Clinton, and 84 in the Kelly Lake area. Restoration involved replacing approximately 275 damaged poles and several kilometers of line. Despite these efforts, roughly 230 customers near Vernon remain without electricity. As of August 10, the Bradley Creek wildfire complex, which includes the Quilpituk Creek wildfire, is classified as “held” by the BC Wildfire Service. The Quilpituk Creek fire is estimated at 1,291.9 hectares, while the Bradley Creek fire has grown to approximately 2,647.1 hectares. Suppression efforts involve 129 firefighters, 11 helicopters, and 40 pieces of heavy equipment. While unsettled weather and gusty winds pose risks of spot fires, the blaze is expected to remain within its current perimeter. Okanagan Indian Band Chief Dan Wilson reported that at least 230 properties were lost.

## Claims

- The Bradley Creek wildfire grew to 2,647.1 hectares as of August 10. (disputed by 4 sources)
- The Bradley Creek wildfire covers 2,634.8 hectares. (disputed by 3 sources)
- The Bradley Creek wildfire is classified as being held. (corroborated by 14 sources)
- Power has been restored to 2,700 customers impacted by the Bradley Creek wildfire near Vernon. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Crews repaired and replaced nearly 75 poles damaged by wildfire and extreme weather near Vernon. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Approximately 230 customers in the Bradley Creek wildfire area remain without power. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Power was restored to 84 customers in the Kelly Lake area west of Clinton following the Pear Lake wildfire. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Restoring power in Clinton involved replacing approximately 200 destroyed poles and over six kilometers of line stringing. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The Bradley Creek wildfire complex includes both the Quilpituk Creek and Bradley Creek wildfires. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The fire is not expected to grow beyond its current perimeter under current conditions. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The Village of Clinton has been under an evacuation order since July 24. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Unsettled weather and gusty winds have the potential to increase fire behaviour and cause spot fires. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-10: Bradley Creek wildfire complex remains held amid property destruction

The Bradley Creek wildfire complex is being held in British Columbia, but has destroyed at least 230 properties. Crews continue suppression efforts amid unsettled weather and ongoing utility repairs.

35 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bc-hydro-restores-power-to-customers-near-vernon-and-clinton

### 2026-08-08: East Kootenay power outages affect 18,000 residents due to wildfires

Wildfire-related damage to BC Hydro transmission systems caused power outages for nearly 18,000 residents in the East Kootenay region, including Golden and Canal Flats.

39 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bc-hydro-outage-leaves-18000-east-kootenay-residents-without-power

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Cite as: Wildfire-related power outages and evacuations in BC. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/wildfire-related-power-outages-in-british-columbia