Bald Range Wildfire - Information for evacuees
Find answers to common questions about the Bald Range Wildfire, including evacuation, re-entry, safety, utilities, and available support. This page provides the latest information and guidance for Summerland-area residents.
This section will be updated as the situation evolves and new information becomes available. Please check back regularly for the latest updates and guidance.
What is the current status of the situation?
The entire District of Summerland remains under an evacuation order. To read the Evacuation Order for properties within the District of Summerland, click here.
For the latest updates, please rely on official sources:
District of Summerland
Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen (RDOS)
For the latest on the current wildfire situation, please visit BCWildfire.ca.
For more information on highways and roads, please visit DriveBC.ca.
Where can I get help and information?
The Emergency Operations Centre public information line is 250-469-8490 (local) or 1-877-569-8490 (toll-free). Only call 911 for a real emergency.
For mental health supports call BC Mental Health & Crisis Response at 310-6789 (no area code needed)
Evacuees can register for Emergency Support Services (ESS) online at ess.gov.bc.ca, by calling 1-800-387-4258, or in person at:
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Westbank Lions Community Hall (2466 Main Street, West Kelowna);
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Chilliwack Reception Centre, 44680 Scheyey Rd, Chilliwack (10:00 am – 6:00 pm).
How you can help those impacted by the wildfires?
Many generous community members are asking how they can support those impacted by the wildfires. Here are some ways you can help:
Food donations
Non-perishable, unexpired food items can be dropped off at Bethel Church, 945 Main Street, Penticton, between 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Please use the side door.
Penticton Sikh Temple, 3290 South Main Street, Penticton
Financial donations
For information about making a financial donation, please contact the Community Foundation of the South Okanagan | Similkameen.
Clothing and bedding
The Salvation Army in Penticton, 2469 S. Main St., Penticton, is accepting clothing and bedding donations.
Accommodation, Meals and Daytime Shelter
Meals and daytime shelter are available within the City of Penticton for evacuees and those impacted by the wildfire.
Comfort Centre at Princess Margaret Secondary School, 120 Green Ave. W., Penticton. Space is available for anyone with trailers or campers to park at this location.
St. Ann's Church (1296 Main Street, Penticton)
Clothing, food and blankets available
Temporary overnight accommodation may be available
Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
St. John Vianney Church (361 Wade Avenue W., Penticton)
Dinner at approximately 5:00 p.m.
For more information, please contact 250-492-3169.
Emergency donations and distribution centre
Led by OneSky Community Resources, the centre is located at Okanagan College – Penticton Campus, 583 Duncan Avenue West, Penticton, and is open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Donations of quality items such as toiletries, towels, pet food, cat litter, diapers and other essential supplies are being accepted.
The list of currently needed items is monitored and updated daily. View the current list of needs:
oneskycommunity.com/wildfire-response
Community mutual aid
Help Summerland is a volunteer-organized community resource connecting people who need help with those who can offer it.
You can post what you HAVE — such as shelter, food or supplies — or what you NEED.
If you need support
If you have been impacted by the wildfires and need assistance, please reach out to the agencies and resources listed above.
Thank you to everyone who is donating, volunteering and supporting our community during this difficult time. Every contribution makes a difference.
Trying to locate a loved one?
Seniors' Centre residents: Interior Health has a dedicated call centre for families seeking updates on evacuated residents from Dr. Andrew Pavillion and Summerland Seniors Village. Families can call 1-833-971-5045. Read their announcement here.
Other individuals: Please fill out the Missing Person Inquiry form so it can be logged and forwarded to the Emergency Services Support Program (ESSP) for review. Due to the high volume of requests currently being processed, response times may be longer than usual. We appreciate your patience during this time.
If your loved one is located, ESSP staff will advise them that you have reached out and are seeking to make contact.
Please note that if we are unable to locate the individual, no further updates will be provided regarding this submission. We kindly ask that you do not contact the City or ESSP for status updates, as staff are focused on processing requests and supporting those affected.
I had to leave animals behind. What should I do?
Animal Lifeline Emergency Support Team (ALERT) is on-site at the ESS Reception Centre and is providing animal care services. For assistance, call 250-490-6531 or 250-328-4748.
Do not attempt to obtain a Temporary Access Permit to enter an evacuation order area for pet-related issues. Call ALERT for assistance.
If you have livestock, agricultural operations, or a large number of animals requiring assistance, contact the RDOS Call Centre at 250-490-4225.
Why can’t I get home now?
The decision to allow residents to return is based on public safety and the restoration of essential services. Even when the immediate wildfire threat has decreased, there may still be hazards such as damaged infrastructure, unsafe drinking water, disrupted wastewater services, dangerous trees, poor air quality, or active fire activity nearby.
In some cases, essential community services, including power, communications, and garbage collection, may need to be restored before re-entry can occur safely. Authorities work closely with emergency responders and service providers to ensure conditions are safe before residents are permitted to return.
When can I go home?
The District of Summerland is planning for a phased re-entry once conditions are safe and the area is ready. Crews are currently gathering reports on utilities and other infrastructure and will work to ensure affected areas are safe before re-entry can begin.
The first preliminary damage assessments are conducted on August 11, in some affected areas where it is safe for staff to access. The return of residents will occur in phases as areas are assessed and deemed safe.
The area is unsafe. Do not return until the evacuation order has been officially lifted.
Can I get a temporary access permit to go back into the evacuation zone?
Temporary access permits are very difficult to manage at this stage of the emergency. With a fire this large and still active in the community, there are small spot fires throughout the area and other safety concerns. Permits are being assigned by key priorities: life safety, critical infrastructure, and commercial operations. Please submit only one application — multiple applications don't help and slow the system down. Wait to be contacted; do not re-apply. Each request will be managed as the situation allows.
Apply online: mymaps.rdos.bc.ca/tap
Email: eoctap@rdos.bc.ca | Phone: 236-500-2936
Will late payment penalties or interest be applied to utility accounts during the emergency?
No. Late payment penalties and interest will not be applied to utility accounts during the designated emergency period.
Residents and businesses do not need to worry about late fees or interest if they are unable to make a utility payment during this time. Utility services and accounts will continue to be managed, while we recognize that the safety and well-being of our community remains the priority.
For questions about your utility account or payment options, please contact utilities@summerland.ca. Staff currently have limited access to computer systems, but will respond as soon as possible.
Online payment and e-billing options:
Utility Billing Information
Online Utility Account Portal