0.2-hectare Arrow Lakes wildfire breaks out near Vernon-Slocan Highway

BC Wildfire Service says suppression actions underway for lightning-sparked fire near Needles

0.2-hectare Arrow Lakes wildfire breaks out near Vernon-Slocan Highway Published 5:28 pm Thursday, July 16, 2026 A 0.2 hectare wildfire is burning out of control Thursday, July 16, near the Vernon-Slocan Highway and Arrow Lakes community of Needles, BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) reports. The Barnes Creek fire, indicated as lightning-caused following a thunderstorm Wednesday night, July 15, had scorched an area about half the size of a football field by 4 p.m. Thursday.

It’s located about 1.5 kilometres east of Highway 6 and five kilometres west of Whatshan Lake, as well as about 10 km northwest of Needles. BCWS says suppression actions are being taken by provincial wildland firefighters. For updates on the Barnes Creek fire, visit wildfiresituation.nrs.gov.bc.ca/map.