Kelowna-area Forest Fires

September 5, 2023 – 12:10 am PDT

The evacuation alert for UBC’s Okanagan campus has been removed. Campus is fully operational, including the resumption of transit services. Please continue to visit the Wildfire Response Frequently Asked Questions.

Aug. 26, 2023 – 7:35 am PDT

We are incredibly encouraged by the real progress being made in the community now that many evacuation orders have been lifted. While campus remains on evacuation alert, staff are now returning to regular operations and the work to welcome our community for the fall term continues at full pace.

Read the Global Message from leadership

Aug. 23, 2023 – 6:01 pm PDT

While the past week has been a difficult one for wildfires in our region, we are now seeing significant progress being made throughout the community and surrounding our campus. After consultation with academic leaders, regional partners, emergency personnel, students and faculty, we are now confident that classes will begin as originally scheduled and in person on September 5, 2023.

Read the Global Message from leadership

Aug. 20, 2023 – 6:26 pm PDT

UBC’s Okanagan campus has been downgraded from an evacuation order to an alert. Only crucial trips to campus are recommended as we are not fully operational. Anyone returning to campus should have a plan to evacuate at a moment’s notice.

We are working on providing a more fulsome update as soon as possible.

Aug. 18, 2023 – 12:35 pm PDT

UBC Okanagan is under evacuation order. Please leave campus immediately.

If you are on campus and do not have access to transportation, please make your way to H Lot.

Everyone else, please leave the area immediately in a calm and orderly manner.

For the latest information, please visit Central Okanagan Emergency Operations.

Aug. 18, 2023 – 11:48 am PDT

The campus is open.

Exams scheduled to begin at 12 p.m. on August 18 or later, including all exams scheduled for August 19, are cancelled.

Students with exams scheduled today who could not reach campus or were experiencing difficulty accessing online exams due to the fires are urged to contact their instructors or Dean’s office. Thank you for your patience during this time.

Faculty and staff are encouraged to be in communication with their department heads and supervisors should they require support or direction with respect to their work responsibilities. Supervisors, please reach out to your HR Advisor for any additional support.

We will provide updates as the situation evolves. The priority is the safety of our community.

For the latest information, please visit the BC Wildfire Service and Central Okanagan Emergency Operations websites.

Aug. 18, 2023 – 8:00 am PDT

What is the status of exams?

The campus is open and exams are expected to proceed as normal. BC Transit to and from campus is operational. We will provide updates as the situation evolves.

For the latest information, please visit the BC Wildfire Service and Central Okanagan Emergency Operations websites.

Should students and staff avoid coming in to work today if possible?

The campus is open. BC Transit to and from campus is operational. We will provide updates as the situation evolves. For the latest information, please visit the BC Wildfire Service and Central Okanagan Emergency Operations websites.

Kelowna-area fires

Aug. 18, 2023 – 12:15 am PDT

We understand the situation regarding fires in the Kelowna area is rapidly evolving.

For the latest information, please visit the the BC Wildfire Service and Central Okanagan Emergency Operations websites.

Update regarding McDougall Creek wildfire in West Kelowna

Aug. 17, 2023 – 10:00 pm PDT

We continue to experience smoke-filled skies as wildfires burn in the BC interior and surrounding areas, including the McDougall Creek wildfire in West Kelowna.

For the latest updates on the fires, visit the BC Wildfire Service and Central Okanagan Emergency Operations websites.

Affected colleagues, if you are evacuated from your home or facing work disruption due to wildfires, please contact your supervisor for support. Read the full Global Message.

Affected students, UBC Okanagan has emergency funding available to assist students in need of urgent financial support as a result of wildfires or other exceptional circumstances. Learn more about Emergency Funding.

Poor air quality and heat advisory

Aug. 17, 2023 – 1:55 pm PDT

We are experiencing smoke-filled skies as wildfires burn in the BC interior and surrounding areas.

• Individuals with chronic underlying medical conditions or those at risk are encouraged to stay indoors in air-conditioned spaces with limited entry of outdoor air to reduce exposure to fine particulate matter.
• West Kelowna colleagues are on evacuation alert. If you are evacuated from your home or facing work disruption due to wildfires, please contact your supervisor for support.

Read the full Global Message

Weather Advisory

Aug. 14, 2023 – 3:00 pm PDT

Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for Kelowna, Okanagan Valley, Boundary, South Thompson and Fraser Canyon.

Information and resources on heat health and safety for the Okanagan campus is available at Heat and Sun: Protect yourself from the Okanagan sun.