Evacuation orders to be downgraded to alert for RDCO and Peachland for Bald Range Wildfire

Bald Range Wildfire - K51490

News Release

Date:  August 14, 2026

Time:  1:15 p.m.

 

Peachland and Electoral Area West, B.C. – At 6 p.m. today, Evacuation Orders for all properties in the Peachland and Electoral Area West areas will be downgraded to Evacuation Alerts. 

 

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 Wildlfire, 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. 

 

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. 

 

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

  • 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 

 

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

 

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.

 

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

ESS SUPPORTS

  • ESS reception centre is open Friday, Aug. 14 through Sunday Aug. 16, the hours will be 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

  • 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. 

  • 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.

 

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.