EOC Update: Bald Range Wildfire (K51490), Sunday, August 16, 2026, 3:30 pm | Evacuation Alerts and Re-Entry Information

News Article
Published: August 16, 2026

INFORMATION RELEASE      

Three Evacuation Orders have been downgraded to Evacuation Alerts today, Sunday, August 16, 2026.
Only residents of these areas may re-enter.

Evacuation Alerts are now in effect for:

Note: The Evacuation Order remains in place west of Highway 97 and for Callan Road.

These areas remain under Evacuation Alert status due to ongoing active wildfires in the region.

Conditions can change rapidly, and residents should be prepared to leave on short notice if an Evacuation Order is issued.

Important Information for Resident Re-Entry

Please note:

  • A Boil Water Notice remains in effect for Trout Creek – West of Highway 97 and East of Highway 97 – McDougald Road & South. Residents must continue to follow all public health advisories until the notice is lifted.
  • Recovery operations remain ongoing throughout the area.
  • Smoke and reduced air quality may still occur.
  • Residents may encounter emergency personnel, utility crews, and recovery teams working in the community.

Residents are encouraged to:

Transportation

Please note that as of 12:00 pm (noon) today, Sunday, August 16, 2026:

  • Highway 97 will be open in both directions 24/7.
  • All Highway 97 intersections in the Trout Creek area will be open.
  • There will be no access west of Highway 97 between Walters Road and Bentley Road.
  • Speed reduction may be in place; expect workers on or adjacent to the roadway.
  • Please respect all traffic control instructions.

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

Other areas that continue to be under Evacuation Order are not safe. EOC teams are working on phased 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.

1)      Penticton Trade and Convention Centre, 273 Power Street, Penticton (9:00 am to 6:00 pm)
2)      Westbank Lions Community Hall, 2466 Main Street, West Kelowna
3)      Chilliwack Reception Centre, 44680 Scheyey Rd, Chilliwack (10:00 am – 6:00 pm) 
4)      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.

Peach Orchard Campground (6321 Peach Orchard Road) has camp space availability for evacuees.
For more information and to make reservations: https://www.summerland.ca/parks-recreation/facilities/peach-orchard-campground

Sign up for Voyent Alert! 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!. https://www.rdos.bc.ca/newsandevents/notifications/

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.  

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/

Mental Health Support: 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. 

The updates below remain unchanged:

  • Rapid Damage Assessments continue as it is safe to do so.
  • 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. 
  • For the latest on the current wildfire situation, please visit the Bald Range Fire Dashboard at BCWildfire.ca.  

 Follow official resources for updates, including: 

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. 

Sign up for Voyent Alert!
Register to Voyent Alert! emergency notifications from the RDOS via email, text, or phone.
https://www.rdos.bc.ca/newsandevents/notifications/

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. 

In case of an emergency, call 9-1-1. 

Issued by EOC Director 

 

 

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