EOC Update: Bald Range Wildfire (K51490), Friday, August 14, 2026, 4:00 pm

News Article
Published: August 14, 2026

INFORMATION RELEASE      

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If you do not have the ability to access Voyent Alert! at this time, please call the RDOS information line at 250-490-4225 so we can directly connect with you when we have information on re-entry to your property. 

Latest update 

New Evacuation Orders and Alerts were issued today, Friday, August 14, 2026, in response to the Bald Range Wildfire (K51490).  

Evacuation Orders are in effect for the following areas:

Evacuation Alerts are in effect for the following areas:

Interactive Map
For the most up-to-date Evacuation Orders and Alerts information, visit the interactive map at rdos.bc.ca. 

Transportation
Highway 97 remains open on limited basis. Please note:

  • Access in and out of the Trout Creek – East side of Highway 97 will be open 24/7 in both directions from Arkell Road at Highway 97.  
  • Closure locations will be moved to accommodate this access.
  • Highway traffic northbound past Trout Creek will only be permitted from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm daily.
  • This is a through route only.
  • No stopping or exiting the highway at any time.
  • Speed reduction in place; expect workers on or adjacent to the roadway.
  • Please respect all traffic control instructions.
  • Avoid arriving before opening time.

This remains an active wildfire area, and conditions are subject to change with little or no warning.

Re-Entry Information

Other areas that continue to be under Evacuation Order are NOT safe. EOC teams are working on phased re-entry pre-planning.

  • There is no timeline for re-entry. Reminder that many essential services need to be in place before any re-entry can be considered, such as utilities, power, waste disposal, roads and safety considerations.
  • Continue to visit the rdos.bc.ca website for announcements.

Emergency Support Services (ESS) centres are open and ready to support evacuees at the Penticton Trade & Convention Centre as well as locations in West Kelowna and Chilliwack.

  • Penticton Trade and Convention Centre, 273 Power Street, Penticton (9:00 am to 6:00 pm)
  • Westbank Lions Community Hall, 2466 Main Street, West Kelowna 
  • Chilliwack Reception Centre, 44680 Scheyey Rd, Chilliwack (10:00 am – 6:00 pm) 
  • Okanagan Regional Library, Princeton Branch, 107 Vermilion Avenue, Princeton

The Comfort Centre is available at Princess Margaret Secondary School, 120 Green Avenue West. Daily, 10:00 am - 8:00 pm. Amenities include washrooms, showers, seating, water, light snacks, an air-conditioned space and recreation areas.

ESS Support Renewals: Some Emergency Support Services (ESS) supports issued by Interac e-Transfer expire between August 14 and August 17. Evacuees who remain under evacuation order can renew their supports by calling the BC Evacuee Helpline at 1-800-387-4258 (7:30 am to 11:00 pm). There is no need to visit the Reception Centre in person. https://ess.gov.bc.ca/

The updates below remain unchanged:

  • Rapid Damage Assessments continue as it is safe to do so. 
  • BC Wildfire Service is expecting winds to pick up and the possibility of thunderstorms, which may create unstable winds that could potentially increase fire behaviour. For the latest on the current wildfire situation, please visit BCWildfire.ca. 
  • Please note that each local government and First Nation is responsible for issuing its own Evacuation Orders and Alerts. To find accurate information about the entire Alert and Order Area, please see the BC Wildfire Service Mapping Dashboard and turn on the Evacuation Alert and Orders map layer: https://wildfiresituation.nrs.gov.bc.ca/map 
  • Temporary Access Permits are in high demand. Applicants must have a valid reason to re-enter. Each request is reviewed case-by-case based on safety and individual circumstances. Apply online at https://mymaps.rdos.bc.ca/tap.
    Applying for an access permit does not guarantee approval.
    Do not wait at a checkpoint. Anyone without an approved permit will be turned around. Reapplying will not speed up your request. 
  • Stay informed. If you are a resident under an Evacuation Alert or Order, please click here to register for routine and emergency notifications from the RDOS via email, text, or phone through Voyent Alert!.  
  • For the latest on the current wildfire situation, please visit the Bald Range Fire Dashboard at BCWildfire.ca.  

Follow official resources for updates, including: 

  1. District of Summerland updates
  2. City of Penticton updates 
  3. Regional District of Central Okanagan updates 

Residents under an Evacuation Order should register for Emergency Support Services (ESS) even if they don’t require specific supports. BC Evacuee Helpline: 1-800-387-4258 

For more information on highways and roads, please visit DriveBC.ca.  

For further information, please visit rdos.bc.ca or call the RDOS EOC at 250-490-4225.  

Important resources 

To report a wildfire: 1-888-663-5555 or *5555 on a mobile phone.  

The official BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) app is available for free download in the App Store and Google Play. The app provides up-to-date information on your mobile phone, helping you stay informed about wildfires and wildfire-related events and conditions across B.C.  

For information on highways and roads, please visit DriveBC.ca. 

For information on pets and livestock supports, contact Animal Lifeline Emergency Response Team (ALERT)  info@alert.com, 250-328-4748

For information on wildfire smoke, please visit the BC Centre for Disease Control's website at bccdc.ca. 

Wildfire season can be a challenging time for the community. For further information and mental health support, please visit Interior Health’s web page specific to mental health during wildfire season or call the BC Mental Health Support Line at 310-6789, available 24/7. 

In case of an emergency, call 9-1-1. 

Issued by EOC Director 

 

 

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