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2mo ago

Bald Range Wildfire Near Summerland Burns Uncontrolled at About 200 Square Kilometres

Rapid growth forced mass evacuations, halted full damage surveys, leaving re-entry timelines uncertain.

An aerial firefighting crew drops water from a helicopter on the Bald Range wildfire near Summerland, B.C., in this Monday, Aug. 10, 2026, handout photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout — B.C. Wildfire Service (Mandatory Credit)
Former Prince George residents Dennis and Lorna Burgart take in a warm summer day last week on the patio of the Giant's Head Brewery near their home in Summerland. They were on their way back to PG on Friday, Aug. 7, 2026 when the Bald Range wildfire erupted in flames west of the town, prompting the evacuation of 20,000 Okanagan residents.
Fire crews drop water on a wildfire along Highway 3 in Manning Park, British Columbia, as fires burn throughout the southeastern part of the Provence on Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Haven Daley)
A sign is burnt by fires in Summerland B.C., on Thursday, August 13, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Deanna Dunham

Overview

  • The Bald Range fire, which exploded in size last weekend, now measures roughly 191–200 square kilometres and remains out of control according to the BC Wildfire Service.
  • The entire District of Summerland and many nearby areas were placed under evacuation order, displacing about 20,000 people and causing one confirmed death when an 80-year-old woman died while fleeing.
  • Hundreds of firefighters, 14 helicopters and dozens of heavy machines are working around the clock to build 40 kilometres of fire guard, protect structures and reinforce control lines as crews watch for winds and possible thunderstorms that could worsen behaviour.
  • Rapid damage assessments have begun in limited, safer zones but the active fire area, downed power lines, unstable trees and displaced wildlife mean no broad return timeline exists and access is being controlled with temporary permits.
  • Local volunteers and groups have mounted large relief efforts feeding and housing evacuees while provincial officials, following a state of emergency, say the season’s drought and fast fire behaviour will prompt reviews of forest and interface management.