Bald Range Wildfire: August 12 Update

Bald Range Wildfire - K51490

Peachland and Electoral Area West, B.C. – All evacuation orders and evacuation alerts remain in place for the Bald Range Wildfire. Last night, the Bald Range Wildfire grew to 18,450 hectares, continuing to expand slightly towards the Regional District of Central Okanagan boundary and the community of Peachland. The Bald Range Wildfire remains very dynamic and conditions can change quickly, especially given dry forest fuels. Read the Aug. 12, 2026 update from BC Wildfire Service for more information.

Residents should continue to follow all evacuation instructions and be prepared to leave on short notice if conditions change. Access to evacuation order areas remains restricted to protect public safety and ensure effective emergency operations. RCMP continue patrols of evacuated areas. If you need assistance to support the health of animals who are in the evacuation area, contact Animal Lifeline Emergency Response Team (ALERT) at 250-490-6531. 

The Emergency Operations Centre and Emergency Support Services for the Central Okanagan are extremely grateful for the tremendous outpouring of support. Hotels, restaurants, pharmacies, grocery stores and other local business have demonstrated a boundless willingness to help those impacted by this wildfire season and your generosity is truly appreciated. 

No further changes to orders or alerts are expected today.

Important reminders

  • Continue to monitor coemergency.ca for updates on evacuation orders and alerts, and use coemergency.ca/map to check your address and determine whether your property is affected. Subscribe for notifications at coemergency.ca/subscribe and follow Central Okanagan Emergency Management on X (@CO_Emerg) and Facebook (facebook.com/coemergencymanagement) for up-to-date information.

  • Residents on evacuation alert should be prepared to leave immediately if conditions change. 

  • Stay well clear of wildfire aircraft operating on and around Okanagan Lake. If you see firefighting aircraft working on the lake, move out of the area immediately and stay close to shore until operations have passed.

  • The operation of any off-road vehicle for recreational purposes on Crown land is prohibited throughout the Kamloops Fire Centre.

  • Stay informed of air quality alerts and find out what you can do to protect yourself from the effects of wildfire smoke by visiting Wildfires | Interior Health.

  • Find the latest road closure updates for Highway 97 at DriveBC.

  • Other services within evacuated areas may be impacted by access issues including garbage collection and mail delivery.

  • To reach the call centre at the Emergency Operations Centre, call 250-469-8490.

ESS SUPPORTS

  • ESS reception centre is open Thursday, August 13 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. On Friday, August 14, the hours will be 9 am to 2 pm. 

  • Evacuated and not yet registered with ESS? Register through the ERA tool at ESS.gov.bc.ca. In-person assistance is available at the Westbank Lions Community Centre (2466 Main St., West Kelowna).

  • Need to renew ESS supports? If you received an e-transfer, call 1-800-387-4258 and have your file number ready. If you are staying in a hotel, ESS will contact you directly regarding extensions.

  • Need other renewals or in-person support? Visit the ESS reception centre at the Westbank Lions Community Centre. 

  • Need overnight lodging? Group lodging is available at Royal LePage Place Arena (2760 Cameron Rd., West Kelowna). RVs and trailers can park overnight at Mount Boucherie Secondary School (2751 Cameron Rd., West Kelowna) and access services at Royal LePage Place.

  • Visit ESS.gov.bc.ca to register or learn more.

For the latest information on evacuation orders, alerts, map and wildfire response activities, visit the Central Okanagan Emergency Operations website: Bald Range Wildfire information page and BC Wildfire Service. 

New information will be released as soon as it becomes available.