Wildfire officials said crews are working around the clock at the Bald Range wildfire near Summerland to try to control the blaze and allow people to safely return home.
As of 1 p.m. Tuesday, provincial officials said there were 51 evacuation orders across British Columbia, affecting about 20,000 people.
Officials said another 10,000 people were under evacuation alerts in B.C.
Officials said many of the evacuees were from the Summerland area, where the BC Wildfire Service lists the Bald Range wildfire as out of control.
“Even last night, without much wind, we were seeing very challenging conditions and quite significant growth in some areas of that wildfire,” said Cliff Chapman, director of provincial operations for the BC Wildfire Service, in an update Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Chapman said the Brunswick Complex has moved toward nearby highways, including the Coquihalla Highway and Highway 8.
To the north, he said crews have had some success suppressing the fires in the Big Bar Complex in recent days, thanks to cooler temperatures. Chapman said officials have been able to reduce some evacuation orders and alerts.
Chapman warned that orders and alerts could return because there is significant fire behaviour in some areas.
He said there are a number of other challenging fires burning in Manning Park, the Chilcotin and the Southeast Fire Centre.
Clear skies could fuel wildfires in the coming days
“Our biggest challenge in the days ahead is that many of our fires have been smoked out for the last number of days,” said Chapman. “That smoke, albeit difficult to live with, is helping suppress the wildfires.”
“Every time we see the air clear, like we saw in Summerland on Friday night, we see significant and extreme to explosive fire behavior,” he said.
Chapman said crews may get some help in the next few days from cooler temperatures, higher relative humidity and potential rain forecast for parts of the southern and central Interior.
At the same time, he said there is a higher potential for unpredictable, elevated winds and lightning strikes.
Plea for caution to prevent more wildfire starts
Officials said human-caused fires are a major concern and urged people to take precautions.
The province on Monday announced a ban on recreational off-road vehicle use on Crown land throughout the Kamloops and Southeast fire centres and in parts of the Cariboo and Coastal fire centres to prevent potential new ignitions.
“We can’t afford a human-caused wildfire right now,” said Forests Minister Ravi Parmar. “Now is the time for all of us to dig deep and to do our part.”
Chapman said about four per cent of fires in B.C. over the past 10 years are suspected to have been intentionally started by humans, a number he said is “far too high.”
More wildfire personnel arriving from Costa Rica this week
Parmar said 102 wildfire personnel from Costa Rica were scheduled to arrive in B.C. on Thursday, Aug. 13, to join B.C.’s wildfire operations.
Parmar said they will join hundreds of firefighters from Mexico, Australia, New Zealand and other Canadian provinces supporting crews in B.C.
Over 13,000 people receiving emergency support in B.C.
Kevin Dunbar, executive director of Emergency Response and Recovery Operations, said this year’s wildfires have prompted one of the largest evacuation efforts in B.C. history.
Dunbar said over 13,000 people in B.C. are currently receiving emergency support services.
He said the number of agents on the BC Evacuee Helpline has increased from three to 60 to respond to the high number of requests for support.
He said the helpline took over 3,000 calls on Monday and has been setting new records every day for the number of calls it is receiving.
Dunbar said that despite some delays due to the high volume of people seeking support, lineups at reception centres have been significantly shorter in the last couple of days.
“I understand that doesn’t make it easier for someone who’s waiting in line there’s a delay. I have been really impressed at just how patient and thoughtful British Columbians have been while the volunteers work through these line ups, ensure that people get the support they need,” he said.
Some evacuated farmers to get access to livestock
Agriculture and Food Minister Lana Popham said wildfires were threatening about 50,000 animals across the province. She said a total of 146 agricultural properties were under evacuation order and 123 were under alert.
She said there have been reports of livestock and crop losses, but the province doesn’t yet have a full picture of the extent of the damage to farms.
She said her ministry is in “constant communication” with farmers, industry associations and local governments to ensure they have timely information.
Popham said the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen may be delivering temporary access passes for some farmers to check on their animals threatened by the Bald Range wildfire.
“Right now, those decisions on who is allowed back behind those lines is really made through the regional district, and obviously human safety is of utmost importance,” she said.
Wildfire resources for evacuees and people who want to help
Register for emergency support: Evacuees can register online for Emergency Support Services through B.C.’s Evacuee Registration and Assistance system. Emergency Support Services can provide temporary help with accommodation, food, clothing and other basic needs.
BC Evacuee Helpline: Call 1-800-387-4258 for help with evacuee registration and accessing emergency supports.
Donate to local wildfire relief: The Community Foundation of the South Okanagan Similkameen has established an SOS Wildfire Response Fund to support people and communities affected by wildfires in the region.
The Canadian Red Cross is also accepting donations through its 2026 British Columbia Wildfires Appeal.
Donate food, clothing or supplies: The District of Summerland has posted information on how to help people affected by the wildfires, including locations accepting donations and information on items being requested.
Bald Range evacuation information: The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen Emergency Operations Centre posts evacuation orders, alerts, maps and other local emergency information. The RDOS EOC information line is 250-490-4225.
Temporary access passes: Evacuated residents seeking temporary access to restricted areas can apply through the RDOS Temporary Access Pass system. Approval is required before entering an evacuation area.
Animals and livestock: ALERT animal assistance can be reached at 250-490-6531 or 250-328-4748. Livestock and large-animal inquiries can also be directed to the RDOS EOC at 250-490-4225.
Road closures: Check DriveBC for current highway closures, restrictions and travel conditions.
Provincial emergency information: EmergencyInfoBC provides evacuation and emergency information from across the province.
Report a wildfire: Call 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 from a cellphone. Call 9-1-1 for an immediate police, fire or medical emergency.
