EOC Update: Wildfire recovery support Friday, September 25, 2026, 3:00 pm

News Article
Published: September 25, 2026

INFORMATION RELEASE

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) remains dedicated to keeping residents of Faulder, Meadow Valley, and surrounding Electoral Area “F” communities informed as wildfire recovery efforts continue.

The RDOS is committed to supporting residents by helping connect them with available programs, services, and resources that can assist with recovery, rebuilding, and navigating the impacts of the Bald Range Wildfire. Click here to visit the new Faulder and Meadow Valley wildfire recovery project page.

Latest updates

  • Bald Range Wildfire rainfall monitoring system
    The RDOS Board of Directors has approved funding for a scalable post-wildfire rainfall monitoring pilot in priority areas of the Bald Range Wildfire burn area within Electoral Area “F”.

        The system is designed to improve local rainfall monitoring, provide faster verification of significant precipitation in priority burned watersheds, and support informed decision-making during severe weather events.

        By improving real-time awareness of rainfall conditions in wildfire-affected areas, the monitoring system will support emergency coordination, field inspections, public communications, and ongoing recovery efforts. The pilot will also provide valuable information to assess risks from post-wildfire hazards and strengthen community preparedness and resilience.

 

  • Agricultural producers impacted by the Bald Range Wildfire may be eligible for support through the Province of British Columbia's Agri-Business Planning Program. In particular, Stream 2 (Business Planning, Preparedness and Disaster Recovery) is designed to help producers strengthen business resilience, prepare for future challenges, and support recovery efforts following a disaster.

        Applications are being accepted until October 20, 2026, or until available funding has been fully allocated. Producers are encouraged to review program eligibility and application details through the B.C. Agri-Business Planning Program website.

 

  • Residents of the Chain Lake and Osprey Lake areas may use Princeton-Summerland Road to travel to and from their properties. This access is intended to allow residents to reach services in Penticton and Summerland, including medical appointments and other essential needs. Residents must carry and present a valid access pass or proof of residency when travelling through security checkpoints.
  • 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. To help ensure smooth passage through security checkpoints, residents are asked to carry and be prepared to present a valid access pass or proof of residency when travelling through the area. Thank you for your cooperation as response and recovery efforts continue.
  • 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.

Residents who are unable to return to their property due to the loss of their primary residence continue to be eligible for Emergency Support Services (ESS).

For assistance, please call ESS at 250-486-1890 (10:00 am to 4:00 pm, or visit the Bald Range Wildfire Recovery Centre on Fridays from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

  • Ash sifting: Samaritan's Purse is no longer taking requests for support.
  • 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.    
  • BC Assessment: 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. Visit the wildfire recovery web page for a list of materials that can be accepted.

Faulder Water System: The RDOS, in consultation with the Interior Health Authority (IHA), issued a DO NOT CONSUME order on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026. More information will be provided once confirmed.

Click here to view the DO NOT CONSUME order.

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.

Regional Matters: wildfire recovery and regional updates.
Watch the Friday, September 25, 2026, recording on the RDOS YouTube channel.

Regional Matters provides timely news, updates, and information about projects, initiatives, and events taking place throughout the South Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys.

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

Issued by the EOC Director

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