EOC Update: Bald Range Wildfire (K51490) Monday, August 31, 2026, 1:30 pm

News Article
Published: August 31, 2026

INFORMATION RELEASE

Re-entry package pickup
Re-entry packages are available for pickup at the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) office, located at 101 Martin Street, in Penticton, beginning Tuesday, September 1, during regular office hours, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

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.

Community thank you for Summerland Firefighters – Monday, August 31
The District of Summerland invites residents to join Mayor Doug Holmes in recognizing and thanking the Summerland Fire Department for its dedication, service, and commitment to community safety.

5:00 pm – Free Community BBQ
5:30 pm – Firefighter Recognition Ceremony
Location: Memorial Park, 9999 Wharton Street, Summerland

Everyone is welcome. Bring your family, connect with neighbours, and help show appreciation for the firefighters who continue to serve and protect the community.

Bald Range Wildfire Recovery Centre - New Summerland location opens Tuesday, September 1, 2026

  • Open Tuesday to Saturday, beginning September 1, 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: 310-678

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

Ash sifting – Samaritan's Purse Canada 
Samaritan's Purse is transitioning from operations in Clinton, BC and is expected to be in Summerland later this week. Registration is encouraged for those interested in participating. To register, call 1-833-738-7743 and leave a message. 

Support for families affected by wildfires
Families affected by recent wildfires are invited to attend a free online webinar on September 7 at 6:30 pm. Child development expert Dr. Vanessa Lapointe and counsellor Carmen Ohori will share practical tips to help children and families cope with wildfire impacts, evacuation, displacement, and returning to daily routines.Registration is available through Eventbrite.

Princeton-Summerland Road remains closed to through traffic until further notice. Access is limited to residents with a Temporary Access Pass, residents in areas under Restricted Access Status, and authorized crews. Traffic control is in place. Please use Highway 5A or Highway 3 as alternate routes.
Click here to apply for a Temporary Access Pass, or call 236-500-2936 for further information.

BC Wildfire Service: An Area Restriction Order has been implemented in the vicinity of the Bald Range Wildfire. This Order took effect at 12:00 noon Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) on August 29, 2026, and remains in force until the earlier of 12:00 noon PDT on September 12, 2026, or until the Order is rescinded. For further information, visit BCWildfire.ca.

Bald Range Wildfire livestream updates: The Regional Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) will provide daily updates at 2:00 pm on the RDOS YouTube channel.

  • Monday, August 31 to Friday, September 4
  • Tuesday, September 8

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.

Restricted Access Status in effect for specific properties in Electoral Area "F"

The RDOS has transitioned select properties in Faulder, South Meadow Valley, and Callan Road from Evacuation Order to Restricted Access Status.

Restricted Access Status allows property owners to access their properties, begin cleanup and recovery work, and coordinate with insurers, contractors, and service providers, while helping maintain safety, security, and ongoing recovery operations in affected areas.

Residents entering these areas must display their Access Permit on their vehicle dashboard.

For a list of affected properties and more information, view the Restricted Access Status Order.

Please note that the transition to Restricted Access Status will remain in red on the RDOS interactive map until further updates can be made; these areas will be updated to Restricted Access Status (blue) from Evacuation Order (red) as soon as possible.

Current Evacuation Orders, Alerts, Rescinds
View the interactive map on the RDOS website or call the EOC information line at 250-490-4225.

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

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

Stay informed

In an emergency, call 9-1-1.

Issued by the EOC Director

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