2026 Wildfire Update & Community Preparedness

Last Updated: July 13, 2026

Lower Nicola Indian Band continues to closely monitor wildfire activity affecting our region during the 2026 wildfire season. While there are currently no evacuation orders or alerts in place for LNIB, several significant wildfires are burning nearby, and community members are encouraged to remain prepared should conditions change.

Wildfires Currently Affecting the Region (2026)

Ainslie Creek Wildfire (Brunswick Complex)

  • Approximately 15,847 hectares.
  • Located west of Merritt.
  • The fire has threatened homes, infrastructure, and Highway 1, with structural losses reported.
  • Firefighters continue structure protection and suppression efforts.

Brunswick Creek Wildfire (Brunswick Complex)

  • Approximately 2,836 hectares.
  • Located northwest of Merritt.
  • Managed alongside the Ainslie Creek Wildfire as part of the Brunswick Complex.
  • Significant firefighting resources remain deployed.

Lundbom Lake Wildfire

  • Approximately 150 hectares.
  • Located southeast of Merritt near Lundbom Lake Recreation Site.
  • Currently under active response and monitoring by BC Wildfire Service.

Why Lower Nicola Indian Band Is on Standby

Although these wildfires are not currently impacting LNIB lands directly, their proximity to our community, changing weather conditions, and the potential for rapid fire growth require continued monitoring and preparedness.

Smoke from nearby wildfires continues to affect air quality throughout the Nicola Valley. Community members may experience reduced visibility and poor air quality, particularly those with respiratory conditions or other health concerns.

Lower Nicola Indian Band remains in regular communication with emergency management partners and continues to monitor wildfire activity to help ensure the safety of our Members and community.

Be Prepared

Community members are encouraged to:

  • Stay informed by following official wildfire and emergency updates.
  • Have an emergency grab-and-go bag prepared.
  • Keep important documents, medications, and emergency supplies easily accessible.
  • Make arrangements for pets and livestock if needed.
  • Be prepared to respond quickly should an Evacuation Alert or Evacuation Order be issued.

Current LNIB Status (as of July 13, 2026):

  • No Evacuation Alert
  • No Evacuation Order
  • Community remains on standby and is actively monitoring regional wildfire activity.

This page will be updated as conditions change throughout the 2026 wildfire season.

Fire Safety & Preparedness Resources

The resources below provide important information on the current fire ban, air quality, wildfire smoke, emergency preparedness, and community safety. We encourage all community members to review these materials and stay informed throughout the 2026 wildfire season:

Help us keep you informed…

Do you live on one of the LNIB Reserves?  We would appreciate you completing the attached form so that we can better respond to you in case of emergency. Please note that only one person in the residence needs to fill in the form.

Open Form

Provincial Disaster Relief Guidelines for private residences:

private_sector_guidelines-1ic

COVID 19

Covid remains a factor in all our lives.  There continues to be a spread of COVID in the Community and we urge everyone to a) be vaccinated and b) to practice all the COVID safety protocols.

For more information https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html

Emergencies – Being Prepared

These staff work to support responders at the scene and work with all involved agencies – RCMP, Health, Red Cross, ambulance, fire, forestry and so forth as each emergency dictates. We urge LNIB community members to be prepared for any type of emergency.  In some cases, you will be directed to “shelter in place” which means that you have to be able to look after yourself and your family for up to 72 hours without outside assistance. Create a Household Emergency Plan In some cases, you may be evacuated – possibly without notice.   An emergency preparedness kit will help you in both situations and you should have it ready at all times, and check the supplies in it twice a year.  You may have some of the items already, such as food, water and a battery operated or wind-up flashlight. The key is to make sure they are organized and easy to find. Would you be able to find your flashlight in the dark? Make sure your kit is easy to carry and everyone in the household knows where it is. Keep it in a backpack, duffle bag or suitcase with wheels, in an easy-to-reach, accessible place, such as your front-hall closet. If you have many people in your household, your emergency kit could get heavy.It’s a good idea to separate some of these supplies in backpacks. That way, your kit will be more portable and each person can personalize his or her own grab-and-go emergency kit.

Basic Emergency Kit Checklist:

  • Water — two litres of water per person per day (include small bottles)
  • Food that won’t spoil, such as canned food, energy bars and dried foods (replace once a year)
  • Manual can opener
  • Wind-up or battery-powered flashlight (and extra batteries)
  • Wind-up or battery-powered radio (and extra batteries)
  • First aid kit
  • Extra keys for your car and house
  • Cash, traveler’s cheques and change
  • Important family documents such as identification, insurance and bank records
  • Emergency plan — include a copy in your kit as well as contact information

Additional Emergency Kit Supplies:

  • Two additional litres of water per person per day for cooking and cleaning
  • Candles and matches or lighter (place in sturdy containers and do not burn unattended)
  • Change of clothing and footwear for each household member
  • Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each household member
  • Toiletries and personal hygiene items
  • Hand sanitizer, toilet paper and garbage bags
  • Prepaid phone card, mobile phone charger
  • Pet food and supplies
  • Infant formula, baby food and supplies
  • Activities for children like books, puzzles or toys
  • Prescription medications, medical equipment
  • Utensils, plates and cups
  • Household chlorine bleach or water purifying tablets
  • Basic tools (hammer, pliers, wrench, screwdrivers, work gloves, pocket knife)
  • Small fuel-operated stove and fuel
  • Whistle (to attract attention)
  • Duct tape

Community