EOC Update: Bald Range Wildfire (K51490) Tuesday, September 8, 2026, 3:00 pm

News Article
Published: September 8, 2026

INFORMATION RELEASE

Recovery from the Bald Range Wildfire will be an ongoing process. The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS), together with partner agencies and community organizations, remains committed to helping residents access the information, services, and resources available to support their recovery.

Latest updates
There are no new updates at this time. The next RDOS EOC Update information release will be issued on Friday, September 11, 2026, unless new information becomes available.

Regional Matters: Connecting the South Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys
Starting Friday, September 11, 2026, at 2:00 pm, updates on Bald Range Wildfire recovery efforts will be shared through a new livestream on the RDOS YouTube channel.

Regional Matters will provide residents with timely news, updates, and information about projects, initiatives, and events taking place throughout the Regional District. The livestream is designed to help keep communities informed, connected, and engaged on the issues that matter most across the South Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys.

Updates below are unchanged

Bald Range Wildfire Recovery Centre - Summerland location open

  • Open Tuesday to Saturday, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm 
  • Location: Giant’s Head School, 10503 Prairie Valley Road
  • Services include information and resource support for needs arising from the fire
  • Partner agency recovery and Emergency Support Services (ESS) volunteers on-site on Fridays
  • Free 24/7 mental health support: 310-6789

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

Access restrictions and safety concerns remain unchanged
As the Bald Range Wildfire transitions from wildfire response to community recovery, the RDOS continues to manage access through a Prohibit Entry Order for designated properties in Faulder, South Meadow Valley, and Callan Road. Access remains limited to authorized property owners and approved individuals displaying a valid Access Permit.

Princeton-Summerland Road remains closed to through traffic until further notice. Access is limited to residents with an 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 Canada 
Samaritan's Purse arrived Wednesday, September 2, and has set up at the baseball diamond and part of the adjacent parking lot at Powell Beach in Summerland. The organization will be available for approximately five weeks to support people who lost their homes in the wildfire.

Trained volunteers, equipped with appropriate personal protective equipment, will conduct ash sifting activities at destroyed home sites to help families recover important personal belongings and keepsakes.

To register, call 1-833-738-7743 and leave a message. All Samaritan’s Purse services are provided free of charge.

Help protect the Faulder Water System and Meadow Valley aquifer
Initial recovery efforts have commenced for the Faulder Water System by RDOS staff.

Wildfire damage and recovery activities can increase the risk of contamination entering private wells and groundwater sources. Property owners with private wells are encouraged to:

  • Locate and mark wells before debris removal or site restoration begins
  • Inspect well heads and caps for damage, including cracks, warping, missing parts, or openings that could allow contaminants to enter
  • Repair damaged wells by contacting a qualified well driller
  • Test well water and follow Interior Health guidance if the property was affected by wildfire or recovery work

Residents who are unsure whether they have a well on their property can contact RDOS Utilities at 250-490-4135 for assistance.

Re-entry package pickup
Re-entry packages for Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) residents are available for pickup at the RDOS main office, located at 101 Martin Street, in Penticton, during regular office hours, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. For District of Summerland residents, re-entry packages are available for pickup at the Recovery Centre at Giant’s Head School.

Re-entry packages are specific to each property. To protect privacy and ensure information is released to the correct property owner or resident, government-issued photo ID and proof of residence are required at pickup.

Emergency Support Services (ESS)

The ESS Reception Centre at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre has closed. Residents who require assistance can continue to contact ESS by phone at 250-486-1890, available daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

  • The ESS Helpline is also available at 1-800-387-4258, available daily from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm
  • Additional details about ongoing support services will be shared as they become available

RDOS Board of Directors update
At the Thursday, September 3, 2026, Board Meeting, the RDOS Board of Directors approved two relief measures for properties in Electoral Area “F” that lost their principal dwelling in the 2026 Bald Range Wildfire:

  1. For eligible properties, the RDOS will temporarily suspend bylaw enforcement related to the placement and occupancy of up to two recreational vehicles on the affected property for up to five years from the date of Board approval, subject to the following conditions:
    • The RVs should be certified to the CSA Z240 RV Series or an equivalent recognized recreational vehicle safety standard.
    • The temporary measure applies only to the placement and occupancy of RVs. It does not remove permit requirements for decks, foundations, additions, accessory structures, utility work, renovations, rebuilding or any other regulated construction.
    • Wastewater and sewage disposal must comply with Interior Health requirements and any applicable onsite sewerage system approvals. Wastewater cannot be discharged to the ground, roadside ditches, watercourses or other unapproved locations.
    • The RDOS may respond to public health, nuisance, fire safety or other health and safety concerns.
    • The temporary RV bylaw enforcement suspension remains in effect until the replacement dwelling has achieved full occupancy, or until the five-year period expires, whichever occurs first.
  2. A 50% reduction in Building Permit and Demolition Permit fees for up to five years to support rebuilding and recovery efforts.

Summerland Landfill now accepting fridges and freezers
The Summerland Landfill will now accept fridges and freezers during open hours. Residents and contractors should speak with an attendant before unloading. No other large appliances or metal items will be accepted until the landfill fully reopens.

Fridges and freezers should be emptied before coming to the landfill. Garbage is not accepted at the Summerland Landfill due to active fires on site. The Campbell Mountain Landfill remains the closest landfill accepting garbage.

Currently, only the residential recycling area is open at the Summerland Landfill. This area only receives residential paper and packaging, small electronics, alarms, light bulbs and batteries. It is open from 8:30 am to 4:15 pm, Monday to Saturday. It will be closed on Sundays and statutory holidays. For more information, please visit summerland.ca.

Residents returning to areas previously under an Evacuation Order are encouraged to review the      re-entry guide for important information and resources, including:

  • Checking your property for potential hazards
  • Next steps if you have a well or private water system
  • Safe disposal of food and damaged appliances
  • Accessing available support services and recovery information

BC Wildfire Service: A BC Wildfire Service area restriction is in effect, covering the Bald Range fire perimeter. For details on the area restriction, visit BCWildfire.ca. For questions about access to evacuation order areas, including portions of the Princeton-Summerland Road, please contact 250-490-4225.

Stay informed

Monitor official sources for the latest updates:

In an emergency, call 9-1-1.

Issued by the EOC Director

 

 

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