Bald Range Wildfire Information Update - August 11

Peachland and Electoral Area West, B.C. – Due to ongoing fire activity on the north and west flanks of the Bald Range Wildfire and continuing extreme fire danger rating, all evacuation orders and evacuation alerts will remain for affected properties in the Central Okanagan West Electoral Area and the District of Peachland. 

Overnight, the Bald Range Wildfire grew to 17,802 hectares, expanding slightly further towards the Regional District of Central Okanagan boundary and the community of Peachland. BC Wildfire Service indicated that clearer skies last night contributed to increased fire activity and fuels remain exceptionally dry and highly receptive to fire. Winds of 20 km/hr to 40 km/hr are forecasted today shifting from northeasterly to northwesterly by the evening. Read the Aug. 11, 2026 update from BC Wildfire Service for more information.

Peachland Fire & Rescue continues to work with BC Wildfire on structural protection plans for priority areas including homes and critical infrastructure and crews will continue wildfire response operations. 

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 allow emergency personnel to carry out wildfire suppression, structure protection and assessment activities safely. RCMP members will continue security patrols in the evacuation area. 

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. 

  • Prepare a 72-hour emergency kit

  • Gather important documents and medications

  • Make a plan for pets and livestock

  • Know how to shut off utilities at your property

  • Review your insurance coverage 

  • Ensure you have an evacuation plan for your household.
    Find out more at PreparedBC emergency guides and resources - Province of British Columbia 

• 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 today from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hours may vary. Visit coemergency.ca to find the latest information.

• 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.