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(Image Credit: BCWS)
By Vernon Matters staff
New wildfire

Rapidly growing wildfire northwest of Summerland prompts urgent evacuations

Aug 7, 2026 | 7:34 PM

Another wildfire has sparked in the Central Okanagan, this time near Summerland.

The Regional Districts of Okanagan-Similkameen and Central Okanagan issued an immediate evacuation order Friday evening for the following area: Faulder; from the western Summerland boundary, west to approximately kilometre 15 of the Princeton-Summerland Road, north past Darke Lake, south to Bathville Road.

The Evacuation Order was then expanded to include properties on Brent Road, Log Chute Road and Highway 97S.

People evacuating their homes were advised to:

  • Follow the direction of emergency personnel.
  • Shut off all gas and electrical appliances other than refrigerators and freezers.
  • Close all windows and doors.
  • Close gates (latch) but do not lock.
  • Gather your family and, if you have room, take a neighbour or someone needing transportation. Do not use more vehicles than you have to.
  • Take critical items (medicine, purse, wallet, and keys) only if they are immediately available. Take pets in pet kennels or on leash.
  • Not use the telephone unless you need emergency service.
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It ballooned in size from 50 hectares just after 7 p.m. to 1,000 hectares within 30 minutes.

The area under an Evacuation Order due to the fire near Summerland
The area under an Evacuation Order due to the fire near Summerland (Image Credit: RDOS & RDCO)

The Bald Range wildfire poses a threat to human life.

“The fire is displaying aggressive rank 5 fire behaviour, meaning an organized flame front with a fast rate of spread and moderate to long range spotting,” the B.C. Wildfire Service stated.

“Rapid growth is expected due to gusty westerly winds.”

People were urged to evacuate to the Summerland Arena immediately.

Anyone unable evacuate should call 9-1-1.

BCWS said it was responding to the blaze with 20 wildland firefighters, airtankers and helicopters, and structure protection teams.

by Vernon Matters staff
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