Summerland wildfire continues to grow; 20,000 residents remain evacuated from homes
The Bald Range wildfire has now spread to over 184 square kilometres as firefighters battle the blaze with crews from Mexico, Costa Rica and beyond.
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The Bald Range wildfire in Summerland continues to spread across B.C.'s Okanagan region, now mapped at more than 184 square kilometres as of Wednesday, up from 156 square kilometres Tuesday. The blaze sparked late Friday about 15 kilometres west of Summerland and has caused at least one death.
About 20,000 residents remain under evacuation orders, with 11 evacuation orders and seven evacuation alerts still in place. The cause remains under investigation, though wildfire officials are "extremely concerned" about intentionally set fires amid the province's severe drought conditions. About 4 percent of wildfires over the past 10 years have been deliberately set, which Cliff Chapman, director of provincial operations for BC Wildfire Service, called "far too high of a number."
Firefighters from around the world are responding to the blaze. An additional 102 wildfire personnel from Costa Rica are set to arrive this week. Fourteen helicopters are also deployed.
Weather conditions are expected to worsen. The B.C. Wildfire Service forecasts more wind gusts from the north over the coming days, with a possible thunderstorm Wednesday that could bring erratic winds. While smoke cleared Wednesday morning — the South Okanagan's Air Quality Health Index dropped to 3 ("low risk") — it is expected to climb back to 9 ("high risk") later Wednesday and remain at 8 through Thursday night.
Premier David Eby and Kelly Greene, B.C.'s minister of emergency management and climate readiness, are meeting with local officials in Penticton Wednesday afternoon to discuss the wildfire situation. The province is in a state of emergency.
How many properties have been destroyed or damaged by the Bald Range wildfire?
When will evacuees be allowed to return to their homes?
What percentage of the wildfire has been contained as of Wednesday?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
By the numbers
How large has the Bald Range wildfire grown?
The Bald Range wildfire in Summerland has spread to over 184 square kilometres as of Wednesday, August 12, 2026, up from 156 square kilometres the previous day.
How many people have been evacuated from the Bald Range wildfire?
About 20,000 residents remain under evacuation orders in the Summerland area, with 11 evacuation orders and seven evacuation alerts in place.
When did the Bald Range wildfire start?
The Bald Range wildfire sparked late Friday, August 7, 2026, approximately 15 kilometres west of Summerland.
How many firefighting personnel from Costa Rica are arriving?
An additional 102 wildfire personnel from Costa Rica are set to arrive during the week of August 12, 2026.
