Updated Bald Range Wildfire information for Penticton residents and evacuees

News Release

Penticton's Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) continues to work closely with regional partners to monitor wildfire conditions and support response efforts across the South Okanagan.

While there are currently no evacuation alerts or orders related to the Bald Range Wildfire in the City of Penticton, residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and be prepared should conditions change.

Penticton continues to host evacuees from surrounding communities, with information available on the City’s website at penticton.ca.

Updated information for Evacuees

The City recognizes that being displaced from home is extremely difficult and thanks evacuees for their patience and cooperation during this challenging time.

As evacuation orders continue to expand, additional evacuees are arriving in Penticton seeking support through Emergency Support Services (ESS). To help ensure assistance remains available for as many people as possible, registered ESS guests who are able to do so are encouraged to relocate from the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre to alternate accommodation and support locations. This ensures space remains available for new arrivals and those with the most immediate needs.

A Comfort Centre is available at Princess Margaret Secondary School (120 Green Avenue West) daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Temporary overnight parking is also available for campers and trailers.

Amenities include:
•    Washroom and shower facilities
•    Comfortable seating areas
•    Water and light snacks
•    Air-conditioned indoor space
•    Recreation opportunities
•    Access to outdoor playgrounds and open spaces

Additional Parking for RVs, Trailers and Trucks

The following locations are available for residents requiring parking:
•    King's Park, 550 Eckhardt Ave. W. (24-hour washroom access and water refill stations)
•    Skaha Lake Park, 3661 Parkview St. (24-hour washroom access, water refill stations and a leash-optional dog area)
•    Cherry Lane Shopping Centre, 2111 Main St. (designated area)
•    Wholesale Club, 200 Carmi Ave.
•    Penticton Seventh-day Adventist Church, 290 Warren Ave. W.

Information for Volunteers

The City thanks residents for their continued cooperation and the tremendous outpouring of community support. Residents interested in volunteering can connect with South Okanagan Similkameen Community Connections. Updated contact information is available at penticton.ca/emergency-updates.

The City will continue to provide updates as information becomes available and encourages residents to stay informed, be prepared and rely on verified information sources.

Stay informed

Residents can find trusted information and emergency updates through:
•    City of Penticton: penticton.ca
•    Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS): rdos.bc.ca
•    RDOS interactive wildfire map: emergency.rdos.bc.ca/interactive-map
•    Live video updates: youtube.com/@OkanaganSimilkameen/streams
•    BC Wildfire Service: https://wildfiresituation.nrs.gov.bc.ca/map