INFORMATION RELEASE

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) is committed to providing residents of Faulder, Meadow Valley, and the surrounding communities in Electoral Area “F” with timely, accurate information throughout the recovery process.

RDOS staff in the Regional Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) understand that recovering from a wildfire can be challenging, and there may be obstacles along the way. Please know that we are here to help, provide guidance, and connect residents with resources and services.

Latest updates

• Ash sifting: Samaritan's Purse is available for approximately five weeks to support people who lost their homes in the wildfire. To register, call 1-833-738-7743 and leave a message. 
  All Samaritan’s Purse services are provided free of charge.
• Debris removal for residents with burnt structures: RDOS and Summerland are preparing plans to manage the burnt debris created from the wildfire – request that people do not bring in burnt materials to Campbell Mountain Landfill and wait until Summerland Landfill is prepared to receive the materials. The Summerland landfill will be taking all the burnt debris from Summerland and Area “F” properties once it is fully reopened. More information will come as it becomes available. Visit the wildfire recovery web page for a list of materials that can be accepted.
• Faulder Water System: The RDOS, in consultation with the Interior Health Authority (IHA), has issued a DO NOT CONSUME order effective immediately (Thursday, September 10, 2026).
  Click here to view the DO NOT CONSUME order. Crews will be flushing the distribution system and verifying that underground infrastructure is intact, followed by a full system pressurization. Water sampling will take place 72 hours after full pressurization. Please see additional details below.
• Faulder Water System and Meadow Valley aquifer: Wildfire damage and recovery activities can increase the risk of contamination entering private wells and groundwater sources.
  Visit the wildfire recovery web page for important tips and information.
• Access restrictions remain in place 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 a valid 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.

Wildfire recovery information is posted on the RDOS website and social media channels, including Facebook.

Emergency Support Services (ESS)
Residents who are unable to return to their property due to the loss of their primary residence continue to be eligible forEmergency Support Services (ESS).

The Province of BC is not providing backdated ESS support.

Faulder Water System update
Residential services were heavily impacted by the Bald Range Wildfire, including the loss of remote communication and the reservoir drained. Community wells, the pumphouse, treatment plant, generators and reservoir sustained minimal damage, but powerlines, trees, and telecommunication lines were severely impacted. Sampling stations and hydrants are being repaired, and power has been restored to the treatment plant. More information will be provided once confirmed.

Starting Friday, September 11, 2026, at 2:00 pm, updates on wildfire recovery efforts will be shared during Regional Matters, a weekly livestream on the RDOS YouTube channel. Regional Matters will provide timely news, updates, and information about projects, initiatives, and events taking place throughout the Regional District.

Monitor official sources for the latest updates.

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

In an emergency, call 9-1-1.

Issued by the EOC Director