INFORMATION RELEASE

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) continues to provide recovery information and support to the residents of Faulder, Meadow Valley, and surrounding Electoral Area “F” communities.

Latest updates

• Princeton-Summerland Road remains closed to through traffic until further notice. Access is limited to residents with a valid Access Permit, residents in restricted areas, and authorized crews supporting recovery efforts. Traffic control is in place. Please use Highway 5A or Highway 3 as alternate routes.
• Ash sifting: Samaritan's Purse is available for approximately five weeks to support people who lost their homes in the wildfire. To register, call 1-833-738-7743 and leave a message. 
  All Samaritan’s Purse services are provided free of charge.
• Wildfire Home Cleanup: Christian Aid Ministries Canada. Free cleanup assistance provided to individuals and families impacted by wildfire. To register, call 1-800-683-0697 ext. 2 or 4.    
• The RDOS has shared information with the Province of BC about properties impacted by the wildfire. However, affected property owners are encouraged to submit their own information through the BC Assessment Residential Property Damage Declaration Form. This allows residents to explain why their property assessment should be reviewed or adjusted based on wildfire-related damage or loss, including impacts to land.
• Debris removal for residents with burnt structures: RDOS and Summerland are preparing plans to manage the burnt debris created from the wildfire – request that people do not bring in burnt materials to Campbell Mountain Landfill and wait until Summerland Landfill is prepared to receive the materials. The Summerland landfill will be taking all the burnt debris from Summerland and Area “F” properties once it is fully reopened. More information will come as it becomes available. Visit the wildfire recovery web page for a list of materials that can be accepted.
• Bald Range Wildfire Recovery Centre, Giant’s Head School, 1053 Prairie Valley Road, Summerland
  Hours of Operation: Tuesday to Friday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Saturday, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm

Wildfire recovery information is posted on the RDOS website and social media channels, including Facebook.

Emergency Support Services (ESS)
Residents who are unable to return to their property due to the loss of their primary residence continue to be eligible forEmergency Support Services (ESS). The Province of BC is not providing backdated ESS support. Residents requiring assistance can continue to contact ESS at:

• 250-486-1890 (10:00 am to 4:00 pm daily)
• BC Evacuee Helpline 1-800-387-4258 (7:30 am to 5:00 pm daily) 

Faulder Water System update
Residential services were heavily impacted by the Bald Range Wildfire, including the loss of remote communication and the reservoir running dry. Community wells, the pumphouse, treatment plant, generators and reservoir sustained minimal damage, but power lines, trees, and telecommunication lines were severely impacted. Sampling stations and hydrants are being repaired, and power has been restored to the treatment plant. More information will be provided once confirmed.

Faulder Water System: The RDOS, in consultation with the Interior Health Authority (IHA), has issued a DO NOT CONSUME order effective immediately (Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026).
Click here to view the DO NOT CONSUME order. The Faulder Water System operations team has completed full pressurization and flushing of the distribution system. Residents with homes remaining have service access restored. For residents who are interested in temporary water service access, please reach out to RDOS Utilities to request a turn on: utilities@rdos.bc.ca or 250-490-4135.

Faulder Water System and Meadow Valley aquifer: Wildfire damage and recovery activities can increase the risk of contamination entering private wells and groundwater sources.
Visit the wildfire recovery web page for important tips and information.

Reminder: Weekly updates on wildfire recovery efforts will be shared during Regional Matters on the RDOS YouTube channel. Next update is Friday, September 18, 2026, at 2:00 pm. Regional Matters will provide timely news, updates, and information about projects, initiatives, and events taking place throughout the Regional District.

For further information, contact the Regional EOC information line: 250-490-4225.

Issued by the EOC Director