Federal government approves shelter assistance for B.C. wildfire evacuees as Bald Range fire spreads

The federal government has approved assistance to help provide shelter and accommodations for people evacuated by wildfires across British Columbia, as the fast-moving Bald Range fire continues to displace thousands.

Emergency Management Minister Eleanor Olszewski announced the decision, saying federal officials have been tasked with working with the province to ensure support reaches those most in need. "The federal government is here to support British Columbia and everyone in the province impacted by this summer's wildfires for as long as it takes," she said.

About 10,000 homes are under evacuation orders across the Summerland, Peachland, and Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen areas, with more than 3,200 additional properties under evacuation alerts. The fire exploded in size by more than 100 square kilometres by Saturday afternoon, prompting the rapid evacuations.

At the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre, evacuees have reported long waits to register for assistance. Some have described sleeping in their vehicles to free up beds for elderly residents. Allan Jennens said he spent 14 hours trying to register but learned his family's home remained intact — a relief, though many others face uncertain fates. B.C. Emergency Management Minister Kelly Greene recommended people register online to reduce wait times at reception centres.

B.C. Premier David Eby declared a provincial state of emergency Saturday, with the incident commander describing the Bald Range fire as "like a bomb going off in the Summerland region." The fire has marked what officials call a significant shift in the province's wildfire situation.