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Smoke and flames from the Bald Range wildfire Friday evening (Image Credit: BCWS)
Wildfire Update

Crews continue to battle Okanagan wildfires

Aug 9, 2026 | 10:58 AM

Provincial and local fire crews continue to work on fighting major fires in the region Sunday.

The B.C. Wildfire Service said the Bald Range wildfire bordering Summerland was an estimated 13,618.2 hectares in size as of the morning of August 9.

The massive blaze was being actioned by local fire crews and provincial resources.

The BCWS said it had 108 firefighters assigned to the Bald Range fire, with more being mobilized into the area through the day. The BCWS also had nine helicopters actioning the fire with airtankers and skimmers on standby to be used when visibility improves; 13 pieces of heavy equipment, 99 structure protection personnel responding, and an Incident Management Team.

The BCWS said its focus overnight Saturday was on assisting with evacuating residents and recreationalists, as well as focusing suppression efforts on protecting critical infrastructure in areas facing the greatest threat from the fire. Sunday’s efforts will see the BCWS try to establish containment lines on the south flanks of the fire in addition to the suppression work.

South of Fintry, the Qulipituk Creek wildfire remained Out of Control at an estimated 1,238.8 hectares Sunday.

The BCWS said it would complete the planned ignitions to establish a fire guard on the west flank if conditions allow August 9, while also attacking the fire from the ground and the air.

As of Sunday morning the BCWS had assigned 129 firefighters, 11 helicopters, 40 pieces of heavy equipment and 7 structure protection personnel to both this and the Bradley Creek fire. That blaze was considered Being Held Sunday morning.

For all these fires, the BCWS reminded people not to fly drones into or around the areas, and to allow lots of space on the lake so aerial resources can safely collect water.

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