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4w ago

Bald Range Wildfire Still Out of Control After Explosive Weekend Evacuations

The fire's speed exposed gaps in evacuation planning.

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)
Penticton Search and Rescue teams responding to the Bald Range wildfire.

Overview

  • The Bald Range blaze erupted Friday and surged over the weekend, forcing about 20,000 people from Summerland and nearby areas, destroying homes and killing an 80-year-old woman.
  • Officials say the fire remains out of control and has grown to roughly 184–191 square kilometres based on the latest BC Wildfire Service mapping.
  • Rapid damage assessments have begun in accessible zones but wide re-entry has no timeline because the area is an active fire zone with lingering hazards.
  • Summerland faces extra obstacles to return including a separate landfill fire near the water treatment plant, a boil-water advisory after system bypasses and other infrastructure repairs that officials say could delay re-entry for days to weeks.
  • Authorities warn clearing smoke, winds and possible thunderstorms could increase fire activity and the province has pledged an after-action review as community relief and private aid continue, including Telus's $2-million support.