Bald Range Wildfire: Update for Residents on Evacuation Alert

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.

The RDOS is working on public meeting for Monday, August 10. 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.

Evacuation orders and alerts remain in place across the District of Summerland, Penticton Indian Band, and all of RDOS Electoral Area "F" as well as parts of Peachland and areas under Central Okanagan's jurisdiction. At the time of this post, Greater West Bench and Red Wing are on evacuation alert. Click here for specific and current details.

Stay vigilant: Last night was calm for those on evacuation alert, and that can bring a sense of relief. However, Bald Range Wildfire is still classified as out of control which means that is spreading or is anticipated to spread beyond the current perimeter, or control line. A quiet night does not mean the danger has passed. If you are on alert, stay ready to leave at a moment's notice: keep your vehicle full of gas or charged, top up your windshield wiper fluid, your go-bag packed, and a way to receive alerts on you at all times. Please don't let last night's calm lower your guard.   

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.  

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.