Happy Friday! Before you start off your weekend, here鈥檚 a quick recap of what happened throughout the week in the Okanagan-Shuswap.

Tourists should not travel to Okanagan as region up in flames: Public Safety Minister

As wildfires continue to burn out of control in the Interior, the province鈥檚 public safety minister is asking visitors not to vacation in the wildfire area.

Mike Farnworth is asking people not to visit the Okanagan during this time and if they must, it should be for essential reasons only.

A woman was assaulted and robbed in downtown Penticton in broad daylight.

Police said the woman was trying to pay for parking when she was approached and struck from behind by an unidentified man. She fell to the ground when he struck her, then took her purse from her hand and ran north on Main Street.

Police are now looking for the suspect, described as Caucasian, early 20s, slim build, curly hair. The suspect was wearing a dirty shirt, shorts and a backpack at the time of the incident.

Westside Road community members are mourning the loss of their beloved Little Kingdom Gas Station due to the White Rock Lake wildfire.

The gas station and shop burned up on Sunday, Aug. 15.

BC Wildfire Services confirmed, 鈥渟ignificant damage鈥� to several buildings around Westside Road.

The City of Salmon Arm鈥檚 mayor Alan Harrison urges residents to be calm and prepared during this time.

He said even though there are no evacuation alerts or orders in place within the city, people must think about what could happen and be prepared in case things change and wildfires push residents out.

twila.amato@blackpress.ca
Like us on and follow us on .