12-07-2025
Evacuation alert issued as South Okanagan wildfire burns out of control
The Young Creek wildfire burning near Cathedral Provincial Park is seen on July 11, 2025, in this photo from the B.C. Wildfire Service. (BCWS)
The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen has activated its Emergency Operations Centre and issued an evacuation alert after a new wildfire was discovered in its jurisdiction Friday night.
The Young Creek Wildfire is believed to be human-caused and is burning out of control near Cathedral Provincial Park, southwest of Keremeos.
The evacuation alert covers Cathedral Lake Lodge, Lake of the Woods Campground, Twin Buttes Campground, Cathedral Lake, Pyramid Lake and Ladyslipper Lake, according to the RDOS.
Anyone in any of those areas should be prepared to leave on short notice, the regional district said, adding that it is working closely with the Upper and Lower Similkameen Indian bands.
The most recent update from the B.C. Wildfire Service was shared late Friday night and estimated the wildfire at 50 hectares in size.
The blaze was exhibiting 'Rank 3' fire behaviour, 'meaning a moderately vigorous surface fire with a moderate rate of spread,' the BCWS said.
A total of 34 wildfire service personnel were responding to the fire, with two helicopters and heavy equipment also involved in the response.
