Interior Health is closely monitoring wildfire activity throughout the region.

Developing wildfires across B.C. are being monitored for threats to health facilities and services. While no Interior Health facilities are impacted at this time, we are working with our partners including BC Wildfire Service, Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, Health Emergency Management BC and municipalities, regional districts and Indigenous communities to ensure precautions are underway to protect patients, clients and residents.

The best way to protect your health from poor air quality and wildfire smoke is to reduce your exposure and seek cleaner air.

Interior Health is reminding people to be safe as prolonged heat warnings from Environment and Climate Change Canada continue acro

Foundations in the Interior region raise funds that support medical equipment, care needs, and innovative local initiatives in their communities. Each organization includes respected community leaders, volunteers and staff who are passionate about meeting the needs of patients and families in Interior Health. Thanks to the generosity of their supporters, we all have a stronger health system. 

Clearwater and area residents are advised of temporary changes to emergency department hours at Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital due to limited nursing availability.

Williams Lake and area residents are advised of temporary changes to emergency department hours at Cariboo Memorial Hospital due to limited nursing availability.

Oliver and area residents are advised of temporary changes to emergency department hours at South Okanagan General Hospital due to limited physician availability.

Emergency services will be unavailable from 1 a.m. to 7 a.m. on Saturday, July 13. Patients can access care at Penticton Regional Hospital during this time.

All other inpatient services will continue as normal at South Okanagan General Hospital.

Merritt and area residents are advised of temporary changes to emergency department hours at Nicola Valley Hospital due to limited physician availability.

Emergency services will be unavailable from 10 p.m. on Thursday, July 11 to 8 a.m. on Friday, July 12, 2024. Patients can access care at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops during this time.

Name: Manilyn Dantes (she/her/hers)
Job Title: Care Aide / Health-Care Assistant
Years of Service: 10
Worksite: Cottonwoods Care Centre
Community:  Okanagan/Kelowna
Ancestral Territory: Syilx

When a natural disaster such as a wildfire or flood strikes, people are often forced to stay in their homes or evacuate immediately.

“Everyone should make an emergency plan for their households—that includes an evacuation plan for themselves, their family members and their pets—and practice that plan,” says Anne Morgenstern, director, Emergency Response with Interior Health. “Many people feel that they will be able to throw a plan together in the moment or rely on family or other supports.