Crews Continue to Establish Control Lines at Bald Range Wildfire West of Summerland
Crews kept the blaze at 18,450 hectares as 194 firefighters and 148 structure protection personnel monitored thunderstorms and evacuation alerts.
- On Wednesday, August 12, 2026, the Bald Range Wildfire remained out of control at 18,450 hectares, as BC Wildfire Service crews monitored for thunderstorm activity that could challenge containment efforts.
- The fire began near Summerland on Friday and has forced more than 20,000 people to evacuate, prompting British Columbia to declare a provincial state of emergency.
- Operations involve 193 firefighters, 147 structure protection personnel, and 14 helicopters, with crews establishing backup contingency control lines tied into the Trout Creek drainage and Garnet Lake reservoir.
- Premier David Eby visited Penticton to meet with evacuees, while officials maintained 18 evacuation orders and alerts with Highway 97 closed between Penticton and Peachland through Summerland.
- Forecasters predict windy conditions on Thursday could increase fire activity, though the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen Emergency Operations Centre is developing a staged re-entry plan.
27 Articles
27 Articles
Orillia Matters
An Okanagan wildfire is held, but nearby Summerland, B.C., blaze continues to rage
PENTICTON — A major wildfire in British Columbia's Okanagan has been held, although the nearby blaze outside Summerland continues to burn out of control.
The Free Press
Crews continue to establish control lines at Bald Range wildfire west of Summerland
Fire crews continue to work, but there are weather concerns at the Bald Range wildfire west of Summerland. As of Thursday morning (Aug. 13), all evacuation orders and alerts remain in place. However, in its Wednesday night update, the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS)’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) said it’s working on a plan for a staged re-entry when it’s safe for residents to return home. On Wednesday (Aug. 12), fire crews…
Crews continue to establish control lines at Bald Range wildfire west of Summerland - Northern Sentinel
UPDATE (11 A.M.) The Bald Range wildfire has grown to 19,149 hectares in size. On Thursday, crews continued to establish “backup contingency control lines that tie into the Trout Creek drainage,” BCWS said in its latest update. There have been no changes to the previously issued evacuation orders and alerts, with more than 20,000 people across the RDOS, District of Summerland and Penticton still displaced. ORIGINAL (5:45 A.M.) Fire crews continu…
No reports of substantial growth on Bald Range wildfire as BCWS crews work overnight
UPDATE: 8:45 p.m. The BC Wildfire Service says there's been no reports of substantial growth Wednesday on the Bald Range wildfire, and firefighting crews will continue to work overnight and monitor possible thunderstorm activity.
UPDATE: Evacuation orders, alerts to remain in place for Bald Range Wildfire - Creston Valley Advance
UPDATE: 4:04 p.m. Evacuation orders and alerts will remain in place on Wednesday for the Bald Range Wildfire, stated the Central Okanagan Emergency Management. The blaze currently spans 18,450 hectares in size and saw growth toward the boundary of the Regional District of Central Okanagan and Peachland. The wildfire remains active and dynamic, meaning conditions could change quickly. Central Okanagan Emergency Management advised residents to fol…
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