The Bald Range wildfire has grown to 18,450 hectares as crews work to strengthen containment lines and prepare for thunderstorms that could increase fire activity, according to the B.C. Wildfire Service.
The wildfire service reported the fire grew by 648 hectares overnight, the smallest overnight increase since it broke out late Friday afternoon.
The wildfire service said 194 firefighters, 14 helicopters, 41 pieces of heavy equipment and 148 structure protection personnel were working on the fire.
The wildfire service said crews were establishing backup control lines into the Trout Creek drainage, providing another suppression option if increased fire activity challenged the primary control line.
Thirsk Lake was approximately 14 kilometres from the northeast corner of the fire perimeter, although road access east of the lake had been affected.
On the northern flank, the wildfire service said heavy equipment was establishing control lines from east to west toward the Garnet Lake Reservoir. Crews were also reinforcing structure protection and mapping hotspots in areas that had already burned.
On the southern flank, crews and heavy equipment were establishing control lines from west to east, the wildfire service said.
The wildfire service said overnight fire behaviour was rated at Rank 2 or 3 and similar conditions were expected into the afternoon. Thunderstorms forecast for the afternoon could increase fire activity.
“Today, winds are expected to be northeasterly, which will generally push smoke from the Bald Range Wildfire to the south. Blue skies with patchy cloud are expected through the morning and afternoon, with cloud cover increasing later in the day,” the wildfire service said.
The wildfire service said thunderstorms predicted for the afternoon could increase fire behaviour and result in a large smoke column.
“Fire behaviour later in the day will depend on the severity of convective instability associated with thunderstorms, which can produce downdrafts and erratic winds,” the wildfire service said.
“Increasing cloud cover could help to off-set fire behaviour by reducing direct sunlight and daytime heating,” the service said.
The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen said power had been restored to about 90 per cent of Summerland.
Officials were also advising people not to swim in Okanagan Lake after wildfire debris and ash appeared to create a “black sludge” in the water.
RDOS information officer Erick Thompson said Wednesday morning that Interior Health was investigating and would provide more information as it became available.
The regional district said rumours circulating on social media that Penticton could soon be placed under an evacuation alert were not accurate.
“I’m in Penticton right now and no one has told me we are at risk,” Thompson said.
Thompson also urged evacuees not to go directly to the RDOS Emergency Operations Centre seeking temporary access permits to evacuated areas.
“People are showing up here [at the RDOS EOC] asking for a temporary access permit, which we’re asking people not to do,” Thompson said. “That’s not how that process works. It’s provided in a different manner through the Emergency Operations Centre website, and it’s done that way for a reason.”
He said thousands of people want access to areas that have not been cleared for safety.
“You need to be part of the solution and understand the process is working,” Thompson said. “It’s a challenging process when you’ve got thousands of people that want to get into an area that has not been cleared for safety. If people can just be patient and follow the process.”
The wildfire service said firefighters and structure protection personnel were expected to work throughout the area, along with heavy equipment operators and helicopter crews. Crews were to assess impacts when conditions allowed them to do so safely.
Evacuee help
The B.C. government is providing accommodation, health care and other supports for people forced from their homes by the Bald Range wildfire in the Summerland area.
The province said hotel rooms are available in Penticton, Kelowna and West Kelowna. Evacuees who need help finding a room or group lodging can go to reception centres at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre, 273 Power St., or the Westbank Lions Community Hall, 2466 Main St. in West Kelowna.
People who can stay with family or friends are being encouraged to do so while the province works with the tourism industry and federal government to find additional accommodation. Pet-friendly options are also being sought.
The B.C. Evacuee Helpline has extended its hours and increased staffing to help people access Emergency Support Services. It can be reached at 1-800-387-4258 from 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Evacuees who need health advice can call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 at any time.
The West Kelowna Urgent and Primary Care Centre, at 2484 Main St., is operating from 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily. The Penticton Urgent and Primary Care Centre, at 437 Martin St., Unit 101, is open from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday to Friday and noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
The province said some Summerland primary care providers have arranged to work from Penticton clinics so residents can receive care.
People who were evacuated without their prescription medications, or who are running low, can contact a local pharmacy about obtaining an emergency supply.
The First Nations Health Authority is also providing assistance to clients displaced by wildfires. Its Health Benefits team can help people access health services and medications, along with supplies and equipment if they are separated from their usual providers.
The support line is available at 1-855-550-5454 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday.
Mental health assistance is also available for people affected by the wildfire.
The province said the Provincial Health Services Authority has sent its Disaster Psychosocial Support team to evacuee reception centres in Penticton and Kelowna. The team offers emotional support and coping strategies, along with connections to other mental health services.
Adults can also contact the Interior Crisis Line at 1-888-353-2273, the B.C. Mental Health Support Line at 310-6789, the KUU-US Indigenous Line at 1-800-588-8717 or the Métis Crisis Line at 1-833-638-4722.
Foundry Penticton is providing a drop-in space for evacuated youth from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. Snacks are available, along with showers and laundry services.
Foundry also provides counselling and peer support, along with other mental health services. Virtual services are available through the Foundry BC app, while appointments can be made with Foundry Penticton at 778-646-2292 or Foundry Kelowna at 236-420-2803.
Young people can contact Kids Help Phone by texting CONNECT to 686868 or calling 1-800-668-6868. Additional mental health and substance use resources are available at HelpStartsHere.gov.bc.ca.
Farmers and ranchers affected by the wildfire can seek agricultural emergency assistance through co-ordinators at the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen Emergency Operations Centre by calling 250-490-4225.
The assistance includes help relocating livestock and obtaining temporary access passes. Farmers can also call the AgriService BC emergency line at 1-888-221-7141.
The province said farmers enrolled in Production Insurance or AgriStability may qualify for financial assistance related to wildfire costs or income declines.
AgriStability participants may receive advance payments of up to 75 per cent of their estimated payout for the 2026 program year. Producers can also enrol late for the 2026 program year until Nov. 30.
Emergency Support Services are also available to migrant workers affected by evacuations, the province said. Migrant worker support organizations are working with the Western Agricultural Labour Initiative and employers to connect displaced workers with assistance. Consulates are also involved.
-with files from Emily Joveski, Kate Brown, Calvin Hector and John White
