EOC Update: Bald Range Wildfire (K51490) Saturday, August 22, 2026, 10:30 am

News Article
Published: August 22, 2026

INFORMATION RELEASE 

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) is taking every possible step to support the safe return of residents to affected areas as quickly as conditions allow. The EOC continues to follow the authority of provincial agencies, including the Ministry of Transportation and Transit and BC Wildfire Service. 

We appreciate the significant impact this situation is having on residents. Thank you for your patience and cooperation as crews continue the work required to make communities safe. 

Emergency Operations Centre livestream on the RDOS YouTube channel:  

  • Daily at 2:00 pm 

  • Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 11:30 am 

Temporary Access Passes are being issued on a case-by-case basis and are prioritized based on critical needs while the Evacuation Order remains in effect. Consideration is given to: 

  • Critical business operations, care and welfare of animals and livestock, agricultural activities, including crops and irrigation requirements, essential personal property and urgent circumstances 

All requests are assessed in conjunction with current safety conditions, wildfire activity, road access, and operational requirements. While progress continues, a State of Local Emergency remains in place, and the safety of residents, emergency personnel, utility crews, and wildfire response teams remains the highest priority. Current operational activities include: 

  • Danger tree removal 

  • Geotechnical and slope stability concerns 

  • Power restoration 

  • Road safety 

  • Water quality 

  • Access for emergency crews and first responders 

  • Active wildfire operations 

Utility and response crews remain active in affected areas, and 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.

Latest updates, information, resources 

  • Please monitor official sources for the latest updates 

  • Sign up for Voyent Alert! to receive notifications via email, text, and phone 

  • Watch the daily livestream updates on the RDOS YouTube channel (2:00 pm) 

  • RDOS (Regional Emergency Operations Centre, important links and resources)

  • YouTube (daily 2:00 pm livestream)

Be aware of scams or fraudulent activity  

Remain vigilant and be aware of potential scams or fraudulent activity during the wildfire response and recovery process. 

  • Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, emails, text messages, or social media messages requesting personal or financial information. 

  • Do not provide banking, credit card, or other sensitive information to unknown individuals or organizations. 

  • Verify the identity of anyone requesting donations, payments, or access to your property. 

  • If you receive suspicious communications, do not engage and report the incident to the RCMP Non-Emergency Line. 

If something does not seem right, take the time to verify the information before responding. 

In an emergency, call 9-1-1. 

Issued by the EOC Director 

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