EOC Update: Bald Range Wildfire (K51490) Tuesday, September 1, 2026, 2:00 pm

News Article

INFORMATION RELEASE

Thousands of residents came together at Memorial Park on Monday, August 31, to thank the Summerland Fire Department for its service during the Bald Range wildfire. The strong turnout reflected the community's appreciation for the firefighters who worked tirelessly to protect lives, properties, and communities throughout the response.

Latest updates

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 to 4:15, Monday to Saturday. It will be closed on Sundays and Statutory Holidays, including Labour Day on Monday, September 7. For more information, please visit summerland.ca.

Restricted area access permits

The EOC is no longer issuing Temporary Access Permits. Residents within the restricted area have been provided with Restricted Area Access Permits. If you are a resident and have not received a permit but need to travel within the Faulder area between Summerland and Princeton, contact the RDOS. Anyone requiring access through the checkpoints must have a Restricted Area Access Permit.

Restricted Area Access Permits may be issued for:

• Contractors

• Remediation work

• Insurance assessments

• Hazardous material services

• Debris removal

If you meet one of the above criteria, contact the homeowner who has hired or engaged you. The homeowner can issue the required access permit.

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, during regular office hours, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

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.

Bald Range Wildfire Recovery Centre - New Summerland location now 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.

Updates below are unchanged
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.

Prohibit Entry Order (formerly named 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 an Evacuation Order to a Prohibit Entry Order (formerly referred to as Restricted Access Status).

This name change to Prohibit Entry Order does not affect any of the details of the order.

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

For a list of affected properties and more information, view the Prohibit Entry Order.

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. Traffic control is in place. Please use Highway 5A or Highway 3 as alternate routes.

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.

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

  • This week through Friday, September 4
  • Livestream resumes 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.

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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