2026 Wildfire Season · North Okanagan & Region
Our community needs us.
Let's answer together.
Multiple wildfires are burning across the North Okanagan and neighbouring areas this season. The Wildfire Response 2026 Fund is a trusted, local place to give — supporting evacuees and families across our region, including Okanagan Indian Band community members, through relief now and as we respond to whatever this season brings.
What happened
A path of devastation across our region
Our region is facing an active and difficult wildfire season. Fires are burning across the North Okanagan and into neighbouring areas, including a fire near the boundary we share with the Central Okanagan, and have already caused evacuations and home losses, including impacts on Okanagan Indian Band communities. Families across Vernon, Coldstream, Lumby, Armstrong, Spallumcheen and beyond have been displaced from their homes, with more affected as the season continues.
Emergency crews remain on the ground fighting these fires and protecting structures. But rebuilding — homes, infrastructure, and a sense of safety — will take months, and for some, years. Community Foundation North Okanagan is establishing this Fund so there is a trusted, local place for people who want to help — this season, and every time our region needs to respond.
Wildfire Response 2026 Fund
Give today
Every gift is tax-receipted and granted locally to support evacuees and rebuilding across our service area.
Ways to give:
Online — complete the donation form on this page
E-transfer - send to info@cfno.org and specify that is it for the "Wildfire Response 2026 Fund". Please include your mailing and email addresses in the memo line of the e-transfer, or send a separate email to info@cfno.org so we can issue you a tax receipt. Donations made without this contact information will be considered anonymous and not receipted.
Cheque payable to CFNO, memo "Wildfire Response 2026 Fund"
Securities transfer — contact Leanne at 250-542-8655
Prefer to support Okanagan Indian Band programs directly? Visit the OKIB Fund.
Where it goes
How the Fund helps
From urgent needs to long-term rebuilding, your donation supports the full arc of recovery, guided by evolving needs on the ground and in community leadership and community partners.
Immediate
Basic needs
Emergency food, clothing and temporary shelter for evacuated families not already covered by emergency services.
Ongoing
Health & wellbeing
Physical and mental health support, including trauma-informed counselling for individuals and families.
Long-term
Rebuilding
Support for rebuilding homes and community infrastructure as needs are assessed in the months ahead.
Sustained
Local capacity
Strengthening the nonprofits and community organizations doing this work now, and preparing for what's next.
Why give through CFNO
We're your local community foundation, known and accountable to the communities we serve, with every gift tax-receipted and tracked to where it's granted.
Working in coordination
We're coordinating with community leadership, the City of Vernon, Regional District of North Okanagan, United Way BC, and our partners in the Central Okanagan — so funds reach real needs without duplicating other response efforts.
Staying in touch
We'll post updates here as funds are deployed and community needs evolve. Donors will hear directly from us on how this Fund is making a difference.
“Like everyone in the North Okanagan, we’ve been watching this fire with heavy hearts. Our thoughts are with everyone who has lost a home — and we want to make sure there’s a trusted place for our community’s generosity to land, now and through the long recovery ahead.”