Re-entry for Residents of Trout Creek - East Side of Highway 97 

There is still an active wildfire in the area.

Your neighbourhood is now under an Evacuation Alert.

What does this mean?

Be prepared to leave your home immediately

Check if you are part of the Trout Creek East re-entry residents

Before you make plans to return home, please confirm that your address falls within the current re-entry area — boundaries can change as conditions on the ground evolve, and not every part of the neighbourhood may be cleared for re-entry at the same time.

If you're unsure whether your property is included, or whether it remains under an Evacuation Order or Alert, check the addresses list and map below:

CHECK THE ADDRESS LIST

Familiarize yourself with the Re-Entry Guide before returning to your property

This re-entry guide includes information on:

• Re-entry checklist for your home and property
• Water safety and water use
• Food safety
• Curbside collection information
• Wildlife activity

Please take the time to review the information provided before and during your return home. Conditions may have changed, and hazards may remain in some areas.

Important information

• This area remains under a Boil Water Notice. Click the link to read the full notice.
• Residential Water Restrictions remain in Stage 1 – Click here for more information.
• For food safety, please visit: https://www.interiorhealth.ca/stories/returning-home-after-evacuation
• Garbage:
  • A special Garbage only Curbside Collection will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026
    • Up to two additional bags of garbage under 25kg each will be permitted to be placed on this date only, beside your cart, free of charge.
  • Regular curbside collection will commence on Tuesday, August 18, 2026 (Garbage & Yard/Garden Waste).
  • Food Scraps are to be placed in your garbage cart and your green cart should only be used for leaves, branches, grass and prunings until further notice.
• Be aware of wildlife in your area: https://wildsafebc.com/

Click here to read the Re-Entry Guide: 

Stay informed through the Emergency Operations Centre at 250-490-4225 or eocinfo@rdos.bc.ca, or by signing up for VoyentAlert! here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the wildfire out? Is it safe to come back?
There is still active wildfire in the area and emergency crews are still working to protect the community. Your neighbourhood remains under an evacuation alert, so be ready to leave again quickly if conditions change. eocinfo@rdos.bc.ca, or by signing up for VoyentAlert! notifications.

What should I expect the area to look like when I return?
The community may have changed dramatically: blackened or burnt trees and landscapes, the smell of smoke, areas covered in ash, familiar landmarks missing, and spoiled food in fridges and freezers. Some areas may be fenced for safety and security — please respect those restrictions and follow any directions from first responders or utility workers.

What if I have a utilities issue, such as water or sewer?
Contact Works at works@summerland.ca or 250-494-0431.

Can I drink the tap water?
A BOIL WATER NOTICE is in effect for the entire community. Click here to read the full notice: https://www.summerland.ca/docs/default-source/your-city-hall/council-meetings/public-notices/2026/bwn-media-release-aug-7-2026.pdf?sfvrsn=f90ac7fb_0

Are there water restrictions I need to follow?
The District remains in Residential Stage 1 water restrictions. Click here for more information:  https://www.summerland.ca/city-services/utilities/water/water-restrictions

What supplies should I bring, and how much food and water?
Bring enough bottled water and food to last 14 days, a full tank of gas, a charged cell phone or radio, and personal protective equipment (gloves, masks or respirators, safety glasses). Wear a long-sleeve shirt, long pants, and sturdy shoes. For clean-up, pack a re-entry kit: flashlight, heavy-duty contractor garbage bags, cleaning supplies, small tools, a first aid kit, and a camera to document damage for insurance.

What hazards should I watch for around my property?
A burned property can look deceptively normal. Watch for slip, trip, and fall hazards from unstable structures and damaged trees; sharp objects like nails, broken glass, and metal; leaking household hazardous materials; smoke, soot, ash, and demolition dust; hot spots and ash pits; and pressurized or combustible containers. When in doubt, call a qualified professional rather than handling something yourself.

Is the food in my fridge and freezer still safe?
When in doubt, throw it out. Discard refrigerated food if the fridge rose above 4°C (40°F), or if you're unsure. Frozen food is likely safe unless the freezer lost power for an extended period or was exposed to heat or floodwater; food with visible ice crystals can be refrozen, though quality will drop. Toss canned goods that are bulging, badly dented, or rusted, and any food in glass jars that was exposed to heat.

Should I be worried about fire retardant on my garden produce?
Interior Health strongly discourages eating home-grown fruits and vegetables that have been affected by fire retardants.

What should I do if my appliances failed?
Check the food-safety and refrigerator/freezer guidance in this info package and on the Interior Health website first. If an appliance is no longer operating, contact your insurance provider to see whether the unit and related costs are covered. Photograph any damage and keep notes of your insurance conversations. Whether or not the appliance still runs, keep a record of any cleaning, repairs, or work done in case a claim is needed later.

My fridge or freezer was damaged — what do I do with it?
There's currently no collection program for wildfire-damaged units, so remove all spoiled food, dispose of it as garbage, and hold onto the empty appliance for now. Once the Summerland Landfill reopens, damaged units can be dropped off at no charge — but all food waste must be removed first.

How is garbage being collected right now?
Waste Connections will collect your black curbside cart plus up to two bags (max 25 kg each) on Saturday, August 15, 2026 — have everything out by 7:00 a.m. Regular collection resumes Tuesday, August 18. Because the compost site was damaged, food scraps must go in your garbage cart (not the green cart) until further notice: garbage will be picked up weekly, and yard waste and recycling every two weeks on alternating weeks.

Why is there more bear activity, and what should I do?
Disposing of large amounts of spoiled food, combined with late-summer hyperphagia (when bears aggressively seek out food), may increase bear activity across Summerland. Keep all food waste securely contained indoors or in a locked, bear-resistant area until collection. Food-conditioned bears can become a public safety risk, and garbage can also seriously harm the bears.

Can I fill my pool or drain water from it?
Drain pools slowly, and never into the sanitary sewer or in a way that overloads storm drainage. Water containing chlorine or salt cannot be drained into a creek or Okanagan Lake. If you're on community water, refilling must be scheduled in advance so the system can handle the extra demand.

Can I use the parks and trails in the area?
Yes, but you must stay out of any Evacuation Order zones. Watch for updated notices as conditions change.

Are the landfill and local businesses open?
The Summerland Landfill & Recycling Depot are closed until further notice, and no local businesses are open at this time — make alternative arrangements for essential food and supplies. Check the RDOS and District's website regularly for updates.

Is it safe to swim in Okanagan Lake?
Please refer to Interior Health website: https://services.interiorhealth.ca/publichealthprotection/waternotifications.aspx