SUMMERLAND, BRITISH COLUMBIA / RankWire.AI / – More than 20,000 people fled communities around Okanagan Lake after the Bald Range wildfire surged through southern British Columbia over the weekend. Provincial authorities declared a state of emergency Saturday as flames advanced toward Summerland and areas near Peachland. The fire grew beyond 10,300 hectares by Saturday night. It destroyed homes and damaged other property along its path. Emergency crews used helicopters to reach dozens of residents cut off by the fire. Evacuation orders remained in force across several communities and rural areas Sunday.
British Columbia wildfire evacuations continue as crews battle the Bald Range fire. (AI-generated image)
The fire was first reported Friday evening and expanded rapidly as winds strengthened across the South Okanagan. Within hours, it moved toward populated areas west of Okanagan Lake. Summerland, a community of about 12,000 people, faced a full evacuation. Authorities also ordered thousands of residents in and around Peachland to leave. Evacuation zones included Faulder, parts of the Okanagan-Similkameen and Central Okanagan regional districts, and Penticton Indian Band lands. Officials also placed thousands of additional homes under evacuation alert.
BC Wildfire Service said hot, dry weather continued to support fire spread across southern British Columbia. Thick smoke and poor visibility complicated both ground and air operations. Ten helicopters and one night-vision helicopter took part in the response. Turbulence and heavy smoke limited some aircraft activity. Fire crews focused on containment lines and structure protection around Summerland as the fire showed little new growth Sunday. Hundreds of provincial firefighters worked across British Columbia, supported by crews from Mexico, Australia and New Zealand.
Evacuations spread across Okanagan communities
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police confirmed one death linked to the wildfire Sunday. Police said an 80-year-old Meadow Valley resident died suddenly while leaving her home with a family member. The woman had been evacuating because of the Bald Range fire. The BC Coroners Service is investigating the nature of her death. Police said no other fatalities had been reported to them at that time. Emergency crews also diverted firefighting helicopters to rescue more than 50 people trapped or isolated as the fire moved through the area.
British Columbia’s emergency declaration gives provincial authorities powers for travel restrictions, accommodation support and other response measures. Officials said the province suffered significant losses of homes and property. Highway 97 closures affected travel between communities along Okanagan Lake. Authorities also warned residents against using forest service roads. Emergency support centres opened in Penticton and West Kelowna for displaced residents. Local governments directed evacuees to register for short-term assistance and follow official updates. Authorities continued assessing damage in areas crews could safely reach.
Federal aid supports displaced residents
Canada’s federal government approved British Columbia’s request for assistance as the evacuation emergency expanded. Federal support includes shelter and accommodation for people who left their homes. Public Safety Canada’s Government Operations Centre began coordinating with provincial authorities on the response. The province said it had enough accommodation resources for immediate needs during the weekend. Officials encouraged evacuees who could stay with family or friends to do so. Emergency teams continued working to place people who needed temporary lodging.
The Bald Range wildfire remained the main focus of the South Okanagan emergency as crews monitored changing conditions. Authorities said the cause of the fire remains under investigation. More than 100 wildfires burned across British Columbia during the weekend, with many listed as out of control. The province had already brought in international firefighters before the Bald Range fire expanded. Officials continued urging residents under evacuation orders to leave immediately. People under alerts were told to prepare for a rapid departure if conditions changed.