Bald Range Wildfire: Update for Faulder, Meadow Valley, North Beach

This is unofficial information, shared with you as your elected director. It is not a release from RDOS, Central Okanagan Emergency Operations, or BC Wildfire Service. For official updates, always check the links below directly.

I know you are worried about what's left, and worried about pets and animals you couldn't take with you. This is a lot to carry. If you need to talk to someone, the BC Mental Health Support Line is free and available 24/7: 310-6789 (no area code needed). For crisis or suicidal thoughts, call or text 988.

Here is what I can tell you honestly right now, and what happens next.

The RDOS is working on a public meeting for Monday, August 10 to answer questions and provide updates. More info to come.

Where the fire stands: The Bald Range wildfire (K51490) is approximately 10,340 hectares and remains classified as out of control. Fire behaviour has been volatile since it started Friday evening, driven by hot, dry conditions and shifting winds. Additional firefighters, structure protection crews, heavy equipment, and aircraft are being brought in. The fire remains out of control. For the most current behaviour and size updates, BC Wildfire, RDOS Emergency Operations, rdos.bc.ca or the RDOS YouTube channel.

When can we go back? Re-entry depends on the fire's behaviour and a safety assessment - it is process, not a schedule. The Incident Commander and fire specialists must confirm the threat to life and property has dropped enough, then recommend downgrading the order to an alert, or lifting it. Re-entry is often staged in phases with checkpoints and ID checks because hazards like unstable structures, downed lines, and hot spots remain even after the fire front has passed.

How you'll find out when you can go back: For Summerland, Faulder, Meadow Valley, North Beach, and PIB, the fastest and most accurate sources are the RDOS interactive evacuation map (searchable by address), RDOS Information Releases, and Voyent Alert notifications register here for email, text, or phone updates. You can also call the RDOS Emergency Operations Centre directly at 250-490-4225. These official channels update before news coverage does. Address-specific damage information will be released through the same channels as soon as it's safe for assessment teams to gather it.

Evacuation orders and alerts remain in place across the District of Summerland, Penticton Indian Band, and RDOS Electoral Area "F" as well as parts of Peachland and Electoral Area West under Central Okanagan's jurisdiction. Address-by-address damage assessments have not been completed yet because those areas remain unsafe for assessment crews to enter.

Pets and animals: If you had to leave a pet behind, call the BC SPCA Animal Helpline at 1-855-622-7722 and give them the address (this is how rescues get prioritized when it's safe for crews to go in). The BC SPCA is also providing free emergency boarding and care for evacuees' pets. The Okanagan Humane Society is arranging foster homes for displaced pets, and free pet food and supplies are available at BC SPCA branches and Emergency Support Services centres.

Support right now: Register for Emergency Support Services even if you don't think you need it, by calling 1-800-387-4258 or online at ess.gov.bc.ca. In-person reception centres are open at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre (273 Power Street, Penticton), Westbank Lions Community Hall (2466 Main Street, West Kelowna), and the Chilliwack Reception Centre (44680 Scheyey Rd, Chilliwack, 10am–6pm). Do not use Google Maps or Forest Service Roads to evacuate or travel in the area - they may route you toward the fire; use DriveBC.ca for road conditions instead. At the time of posting this blog, Highway 97 remains closed north of Summerland.

I will keep updating this page as soon as I have more to share.

Take care of yourself and each other,

Riley

If you need anything, please call or text me at 250-488-0246. There are a lot of folks offering help and I will do my best to connect you.

More info can be found here:

• Emergencies: 911

• BC Mental Health Support Line is 24/7 & free: 310-6789 (no area code needed).

• For crisis or suicidal thoughts, call or text 988.  

• BC Wildfire (fire behaviour, map, rank)

• RDOS Emergency Operations (evacuation alerts/orders and updates)

• rdos.bc.ca or the RDOS YouTube channel (live updates as they become available)

• BC Emergency Information (provincial emergency site)

• RDOS Information Releases

• Voyent Alert notifications register here

• DriveBC.ca

• More info (RDOS): 250-490-4225

•  Cash donations to Community Foundation; drop off donations at local thrift stores

Emergency Support Services links

Register even if you do not think you will need the service

• https://ess.gov.bc.ca/ 

• https://emergency.rdos.bc.ca/ess

• If you require help registering or creating a profile, call 1-800-387-4258

Pets

• BC SPCA Animal Helpline: 1-855-622-7722 They log your coordinates and dispatch authorized crews as soon as permitted.

• ALERT (Animal Lifeline Emergency Response Team): 250-490-6531. ALERT volunteers can be granted official escorts into Summerland evacuation zones to feed, water, or extract animals.

• The Penticton Feedway Stables: Located just south of Summerland, reach Johnny directly at 250-809-9117 to check space or confirm if your horse was brought there by community trailers.