EOC Update: Bald Range Wildfire (K51490), Thursday, August 13, 2026, 7:00 pm

News Article
Published: August 13, 2026

INFORMATION RELEASE      

EOC Update: Bald Range Wildfire (K51490), Thursday, August 13, 2026, 7:00 pm

Latest Update

There are no changes to evacuation orders or alerts.

As of today, Highway 97 is open on a limited basis. Please note:

  • Traffic will be permitted only 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.

The updates below remain unchanged:

  • Rapid Damage Assessments continue as it is safe to do so.
  • 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
  • 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!. 
  • 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. 
  • EOC teams are working on re-entry pre-planning. 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.

  • BC Evacuee Helpline: 1-800-387-4258 
  • 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) 

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.

Follow official resources for updates, including: 

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

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

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. 

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

Issued by EOC Director 

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