The City of Penticton has activated its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) and is serving as a host community for residents evacuated due to the Bald Range Wildfire (K51490).
Evacuation Orders and Alerts were issued by the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) and the District of Summerland on August 7 and 8, 2026, for areas of Summerland and Electoral Area "F". The City is working closely with regional partners to support evacuees arriving in Penticton and to help ensure they have access to essential services and information.
Emergency Support Services (ESS) has established a reception centre at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre, located at 273 Power Street. Evacuees are encouraged to register upon arrival. Those who have reached a safe location but have not yet registered can self-register by calling 1-800-387-4258.
Residents are kindly asked not to bring donations to the ESS Reception Centre, as food and essential services are currently available. Also, no additional volunteers are requested at this time. Those wishing to donate are encouraged to support local charitable organizations and thrift stores. Animal Lifeline Emergency Response Team (ALERT) resources are also on-site to assist with pets.
The Penticton Community Centre is open to evacuees until 6 p.m. and is offering free access to showers, washrooms and a children's play zone.
This remains an evolving situation. The City will continue to work with partner agencies and provide updates as information becomes available.
The City of Penticton extends its appreciation to emergency personnel, volunteers and partner agencies supporting response efforts, and thanks residents for their patience and cooperation during this emergency.
Emergency Support Services (ESS)
- If you are safe, please self-register with ESS by calling 1-800-387-4258.
- Registration for evacuees is available at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre, 273 Power Street.
- The Penticton Community Centre is open and providing free showers, washrooms and a kids' play zone.
Donations
- To ensure there is adequate space and access for evacuees, emergency personnel and registered volunteers, we kindly ask the public to avoid visiting the reception centre unless you require assistance or are directly involved in response efforts.
- The Community Foundation of Okanagan-Similkameen is accepting financial donations for those affected by the fires.
Roads
For information on roads and highways, visit DriveBC. Follow posted signage and do not use Google Maps, which may lead you Forest Service Road 201 is open for passenger vehicles (non-commercial) travelling between Penticton and Kelowna, due to the Highway 97 closures. Do not rely on Google Maps, which may lead you into the fire boundaries. For more information on highways and roads, please visit DriveBC.ca.
Animals and Pets
- ALERT is on-site at the ESS Reception Centre and is providing animal care services. For assistance, call 250-490-6531 or 250-328-4748.
- If you have livestock, agricultural operations, or a large number of animals requiring assistance, contact the RDOS Call Centre at 250-490-4225.
Summerland Seniors Village Residents
Interior Health (IH) has opened a dedicated call centre for families seeking updates on evacuated residents from Dr. Andrew Pavillion and Summerland Seniors Village. Families can now call 1-833-971-5045. Read their announcement here.
Parking for Trucks / Campers
Oversized parking for trucks and trailer/campers is available at Cherry Lane Shopping Centre in the area indicated in the map below. Space is also available in the Penticton Secondary parking lot.
Latest Updates
Updates will be provided on the City’s website at penticton.ca and through the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen’s website at rdos.bc.ca. Watch the RDOS' live YouTube updates.