Wildfire near Kelowna Nordic
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Kelowna Nordic Expresses Gratitude Following Wildfire Threat to Trail System
Rapid wildfire response helped protect a valued Central Okanagan recreation resource
Kelowna, B.C. — August 25, 2026 — The Kelowna Nordic Ski and Snowshoe Club is expressing its deep appreciation to the BC Wildfire Service and all those involved in the rapid response to a wildfire in the Kelowna Nordic/McCulloch trail area east of Kelowna.
The fire, believed to have been caused by lightning, was quickly responded to by BC Wildfire Service crews and has now been classified as held.
For the members and volunteers of Kelowna Nordic, news of a wildfire so close to our trails was a sobering reminder of just how vulnerable this treasured recreation area can be.
“Kelowna Nordic is much more than a collection of ski and snowshoe trails. It is a community resource that generations of people have helped build, maintain and enjoy. When we learned that a wildfire was burning in the area, we immediately understood how much could potentially be at risk.” |
The Kelowna Nordic trail system, cabins and associated facilities represent decades of volunteer effort and community investment. Each winter, the area provides affordable outdoor recreation for hundreds of Club members as well as day visitors, families, youth programs and school groups. Throughout the year, volunteers contribute thousands of hours maintaining trails, facilities and the surrounding recreation area.
A significant wildfire could therefore have consequences extending far beyond the loss of forest. Damage to trails, bridges, cabins, equipment or other infrastructure could seriously affect the Club's ability to provide winter recreation and community programming for years afterward.
That makes the rapid response to this week's fire particularly meaningful.
“On behalf of the Kelowna Nordic Board, our members and the many people in our community who enjoy this remarkable place, I want to sincerely thank the firefighters and BC Wildfire Service personnel who responded so quickly. Their work helped protect something that is very precious to our Club and to the wider community.” |
The incident also reinforces the importance of continuing efforts to reduce wildfire risk and improve the resilience of recreation areas such as Kelowna Nordic.
Kelowna Nordic will continue working with Recreation Sites and Trails BC and other partners to responsibly manage and protect the area while supporting wildfire preparedness and FireSmart practices wherever possible.
While we are tremendously relieved that this fire is being held, we recognize that wildfire conditions remain serious throughout British Columbia. We encourage everyone using the backcountry to respect all restrictions and closures and to exercise exceptional care during the remainder of the fire season.
To the crews who responded: thank you.
Your quick action helped protect a place that means a great deal to our members and to the Central Okanagan community.
Marshall Moleschi President, Kelowna Nordic Ski & Snowshoe Club |
ABOUT KELOWNA NORDIC The Kelowna Nordic Ski and Snowshoe Club is a volunteer-driven, not-for-profit organization that maintains and operates an extensive network of cross-country ski and snowshoe trails east of Kelowna. The Club is committed to providing accessible, affordable outdoor recreation and preserving the Kelowna Nordic area for future generations. |
