The Regional EOC provided a live YouTube Briefing Information Session and EOC Update regarding the Bald Range Wildfire (K51490) tonight at 6:00 pm on August 11, 2026.

Guests, along with facilitator Erick Thompson, RDOS Information Officer, were the District of Summerland Mayor Doug Holmes, Regional EOC Director Graham Statt, and Deborah Jones-Middleton, RDOS Senior Manager of Protective Services.

Topics included:

Temporary Access Pass (TAP)

Requests are reviewed for priority emergency circumstances and services only. See full information release issued August 11, 2026: https://www.rdos.bc.ca/newsandevents/rdos-news/hot-topics/article/5821

To apply for a Temporary Access Pass, please complete the application using the link below:

https://mymaps.rdos.bc.ca/tap

Operational planning continues

• Conditions continue to change.
• EOC teams are working hard for re-entry pre-planning.
• There is no timeline for re-entry.
• People will be able to return home when it is safe.

• 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.

Highway access

• Highway 97 remains closed. Updates will continue daily.
• For more information on highways and roads, please visit DriveBC.ca.  

Wildfire overview:

• Wildfire remains out of control. Go to the BC Wildfire Services dashboard for up-to-date information: https://wildfiresituation.nrs.gov.bc.ca/map

Watch RDOS YouTube videos here: https://www.youtube.com/@OkanaganSimilkameen

Residents under an Evacuation Order should register for Emergency Support Services (ESS) even if they don’t require specific supports. BC Evacuee Helpline: 1-800-387-4258 

Do not use Forest Service Roads to evacuate. Forest Service Road 201 is open for passenger vehicles travelling between Penticton and Kelowna. Do not rely on Google Maps; it may lead you into the fire boundaries.  

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

Important resources 

To report a wildfire: 1-888-663-5555 or *5555 on a mobile phone.  

The official BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) app is available for free download in the App Store and Google Play. The app provides up-to-date information on your mobile phone, helping you stay informed about wildfires and wildfire-related events and conditions across B.C.  

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. 

In case of an emergency, call 9-1-1. 

Issued by EOC Director