INFORMATION RELEASE      

Latest updates

The Regional Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has confirmed that approximately 150 structures have been damaged or destroyed in the District of Summerland and Electoral Area “F” as a result of the Bald Range Wildfire. This is a preliminary number and may change as damage assessments continue.

If you have not yet called the Regional EOC to provide your contact information, please call 250-490-4225.

We recognize the uncertainty and challenges many residents continue to face. The Regional EOC’s thoughts are with all affected by the Bald Range Wildfire, and we remain committed to supporting residents as recovery and re-entry efforts continue.

Current information

• Approximately 110 damaged or destroyed structures are in Electoral Area “F”, including the Faulder and Meadow Valley areas, and 40 are in the District of Summerland.  
• During the Summerland Stage 1 re-entry (Friday, August 14), 400 properties were moved from Evacuation Order to Evacuation Alert.
• During the Summerland Stage 2 re-entry (Sunday, August 16), approximately 800 more properties were moved from Evacuation Order to Evacuation Alert.
• Stage 3 re-entry is being planned, but due to the impacts of the wildfire, there will be some properties that will remain under Evacuation Order.

What residents need to know

• Starting tomorrow, Tuesday, August 18, the hours at the Reception Centre located at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre will be changing to 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. All of the same Emergency Support Services will still be available. Please follow posted signage, as the entrance will now be at Entrance 2.
• The Regional EOC is continuing to reach property owners as information is confirmed.

If you haven’t yet done so, please call 250-490-4225 to provide your contact information.

• Please stay out of restricted areas and do not post photos of other people’s properties.
• Residents are encouraged to check the Summerland Electric Utility address lookup map to confirm the length of a power outage before deciding whether to discard fridge or freezer contents.
• Food waste should currently be placed in the garbage, not yard waste, due to an active fire involving woodchip and compost piles at the landfill.
• The Boil Water Notice remains in effect until water testing is complete and the notice is lifted with approval from Interior Health.

Re-entry information

Re-entry is being assessed area by area. There is no fixed date for the entire fire area.

Before an area can reopen, several safety factors must be reviewed, including:

• danger tree removal
• geotechnical and slope stability concerns
• power restoration
• road safety
• water quality
• access for emergency services
• active wildfire operations in the area

Wildfire response work will continue even as some areas reopen. Residents may continue to see helicopters, equipment, crews and staging activity in and around affected areas.

Once an area is confirmed safe for re-entry, notifications will be issued through Voyent Alert!. Updates will also be shared through official RDOS and District of Summerland communication channels.

For District of Summerland re-entry information, visit the District of Summerland re-entry webpage.

Evacuation alerts and orders

There are no changes to current Evacuation Alerts and Evacuation Orders at this time.

Each local government and First Nation is responsible for issuing its own Evacuation Orders and Alerts. To view the full Alert and Order area, visit the BC Wildfire Service Mapping Dashboard and turn on the Evacuation Alerts and Orders map layer.

Information for evacuated residents

Register for ESS

Residents under an Evacuation Order should register for Emergency Support Services, even if they do not need specific supports at this time.

BC Evacuee Helpline: 1-800-387-4258

Additional ESS locations include:

• Westbank Lions Community Hall, 2466 Main Street, West Kelowna
• Chilliwack Reception Centre, 44680 Scheyey Rd, Chilliwack, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Temporary Access Permits

Temporary Access Permits are in high demand. Applicants must have a valid reason to re-enter an evacuation area. Each request is reviewed case by case based on safety conditions and individual circumstances. Apply online: Temporary Access Permit application

Transportation updates

Highway 97 is open in both directions 24 hours a day.

• There is no access west of Highway 97 between Walters Road and Bentley Road.
• Please follow all traffic control instructions.

BC Transit is providing modified service for Summerland following wildfire activity and highway disruptions. Riders can check live service updates through BC Transit South Okanagan-Similkameen Alerts or call 1-844-442-2212.

For highway and road information, visit DriveBC.ca. 

Support for residents

Comfort Centre

The Comfort Centre is available at Princess Margaret Secondary School, 120 Green Avenue West, Penticton, from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm daily.

Amenities include washrooms, showers, seating, water, light snacks, an air-conditioned space and recreation areas.

Peach Orchard Campground

Peach Orchard Campground, 6321 Peach Orchard Road, has camp space available for evacuees.

For more information or to make a reservation, visit the Peach Orchard Campground webpage.

Mental health support

Wildfire events can be stressful and overwhelming. For mental health support, visit Interior Health’s wildfire mental health resources or call the BC Mental Health Support Line at 310-6789, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Pets and livestock

For information about pets and livestock supports, contact Animal Lifeline Emergency Response Team (ALERT) at info@alertcanada.org or 250-328-4748.

Wildfire information

For the latest information on the Bald Range Wildfire, visit the BC Wildfire Service Bald Range Fire Dashboard.

To report a wildfire, call 1-888-663-5555 or *5555 from a mobile phone.

The BC Wildfire Service app is available for free download through the App Store and Google Play.

The app provides up-to-date wildfire information for mobile devices.

For information about wildfire smoke, visit the BC Centre for Disease Control wildfire smoke webpage.

Stay informed

Residents are encouraged to follow official sources for updates, including:

• District of Summerland updates
• City of Penticton updates
• RDOS YouTube live updates

In an emergency, call 9-1-1.

Issued by the EOC Director