SUMMERLAND, B.C. — A wildfire that surged toward communities on the western side of Okanagan Lake forced thousands from their homes over the weekend before showing little new growth, officials and evacuees said Sunday.
Rapid spread, then a slowing of the fire front
The fire, known as the Bald Range fire, exploded in size on Saturday to more than 100 square kilometres after racing down a mountainside toward Summerland late Friday. Residents described ash falling like coins as the blaze moved.
By Sunday, however, the incident showed limited new growth. Fire behaviour analysts said that reflected both the geography — substantial sections of the fire front have reached Okanagan Lake — and efforts by crews from the BC Wildfire Service to build containment lines and protect structures on the urban fringe.
Evacuations, losses and an ongoing emergency response
Provincial authorities declared a state of emergency Saturday as the fire threatened populated areas. RCMP said they are working to confirm a report of one person who may have died in the fire west of Summerland, while the provincial government reported “significant structure loss”.
Evacuation orders and alerts cover large parts of the region. Local accounts and social media posts documented families fleeing with photos and important documents, some taking only minutes to leave as flames approached.
“The ashes were falling on us when we were outside for the party. They were loonie-sized, and that was when it was only 50 hectares,”
The comment came from Dawn Wertz, who was attending a family birthday in Summerland when ash began to fall. She said relatives hurriedly grabbed pictures and documents before evacuating south toward Penticton.
Animal rescue group loses facility
The Interior Wildlife Rehabilitation Society posted that the fire swept through its Summerland facility so quickly staff escaped only with the animals they were able to carry. The group reported watching security camera footage as flames enveloped the compound and the site lost power.
Where people were asked to leave
Authorities said about 10,000 homes are under evacuation orders across a mix of municipalities and regional districts as crews work to protect neighbourhoods and critical infrastructure.
- Summerland and surrounding areas
- Peachland
- Regional District of Okanagan‑Similkameen
- Regional District of Central Okanagan
- Areas affecting Penticton and environs
| Item | Status / Note |
|---|---|
| Fire size | More than 100 sq. km (expanded rapidly Saturday) |
| New growth | Reported minimal after initial expansion |
| Evacuations | About 10,000 homes under orders/alerts |
| Structure loss | Provincial government: “significant structure loss” |
| Reported fatalities | RCMP working to confirm one possible death |
What residents need to know
With containment lines still being established and assessment of damage ongoing, authorities urged remaining residents in affected zones to follow evacuation orders and local emergency bulletins. Those displaced were directed to reception centres and support services in neighbouring communities; those with information about missing people or property should contact RCMP and local emergency information lines.
The fire’s abrupt growth over a matter of hours underscores the volatility of wildfire conditions in the Interior this season. While the immediate forward spread has slowed, officials cautioned that unpredictable winds, isolated pockets of fuel and terrain can change fire behaviour quickly, keeping crews and residents on alert.
As firefighters continue work to secure the perimeter, emergency planners and recovery teams are preparing to assess damage and support people who have lost homes. For now, tens of thousands of residents and visitors remain affected by orders that aim to keep people out of harm’s way while responders stabilise the situation.
Reporting from the Okanagan will continue as authorities release updates and assessments of loss.
