Evacuation order downgraded, alerts lifted for Bald Range Wildfire

Bald Range Wildfire - K51490

News Release

Date: August 14, 2026

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Central Okanagan West Electoral Area, B.C. – The Evacuation Orders for all properties in Peachland and Electoral Area West due to the Bald Range Wildfire have been downgraded to an Evacuation Alert. 

Residents from properties returning home from the evacuation area are permitted to return today at 6 p.m. To avoid traffic congestion, residents are asked to not line up earlier than 6 p.m. Traffic control personnel will be on site at various locations in Peachland and Highway 97. For the safety of crews, please follow traffic control signs and follow posted speed limits. 

The Evacuation Alert currently in place for downtown Peachland, Beach Avenue from Highway 97 to 8th Street, the lower Princeton Avenue corridor and surrounding residential neighbourhoods extending south toward Ehlers Road and Turner Avenue has been lifted.

Evacuation Alerts have also been lifted for the following properties in Electoral Area West:

  • Brenda Mines Road (including 4900 Brenda Mines Road)
  • Glen Lake Forest Service Road (including 5503 Glen Lake FSR)
  • Southern properties adjacent to Highway 97C (Okanagan Connector) between Trepanier Road and Brenda Mines
  • McDonald Lake (all properties)
  • Silver Lake Forest Service Road
  • 4740 Trepanier Road

Visit coemergency.ca/map for more information on addresses affected.

The Bald Range Wildfire remains active. Residents should continue to monitor coemergency.ca  and subscribe for notifications at coemergency.ca/subscribe. You can also follow Central Okanagan Emergency Management on X (@CO_Emerg) and Facebook (facebook.com/coemergencymanagement) for up-to-date information.

For properties in the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen and Summerland areas affected by the Bald Range Wildlife, please refer to local authorities for updated information.

Residents remaining on evacuation alert should be prepared to leave immediately if conditions change. Smoke and fire suppression activities will continue to be visible. 

Highway 97 through to Penticton is currently open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and motorists are asked to check DriveBC for updated information. 

Re-entry Information for Residents

Be prepared to clean and sanitize undamaged fridges and freezers according to current health guidelines: Returning home after an evacuation | Interior Health

Wildfire smoke, ash, soot and debris can create health hazards during cleanup. Consider bringing:

  • Work gloves

  • N95 or equivalent masks

  • Safety glasses or goggles

  • Long pants and long-sleeved shirts

  • Sturdy footwear

  • Garbage bags and containers for debris collection

  • Cleaning cloths, mops and disinfectants

Find the latest information on the Bald Range wildfire and other active wildfires, check the BC Wildfire Service’s website.

As a precaution, residents returning home are recommended to inspect their property and trees to assess any issues or damage before re-entry.

Download the Returning Home Guide for information and tips on how to clean up safely.

No structural loss has been reported, but property owners should start insurance claims if they suspect wildfire damage and report it as soon as possible to their insurance representative. Other additional information on re-entry can be found here: Recover after a wildfire - Province of British Columbia 

Property hazards

Neighbourhoods may show visible signs of wildfire impacts, including ash, soot, smoke residue and debris on properties and roadways. Everyone is encouraged to remain alert, exercise caution when moving around their property and follow any safety directions or signage in place to support ongoing recovery efforts.

Important reminders

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 

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

  • Emergency Operations Centre personnel, partners and response agencies are continuing to monitor and manage the situation. Residents in the alert area are reminded to be prepared to leave immediately if conditions change.

Fire suppression

Fire crews will continue extinguishing hot spots, conducting patrols, and monitoring conditions. Watch for the movement of personnel and equipment throughout the zone. Residents should still expect smoke to be seen in burned areas.

Residents may also encounter roadside recovery work, heavy equipment and increased traffic from contractors, emergency responders and support agencies working in the area.

Emergency Operations Centre personnel, partners and response agencies are continuing to monitor and manage the situation. Residents in the alert area are reminded to be prepared to leave immediately if conditions change.

Stay informed

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