Most evacuation orders have been downgraded near Summerland, B.C., but wildfire officials say the destructive Bald Range blaze remains active and more growth is expected. The BC Wildfire Service says the forecast calls for high temperatures and shifting winds this week in the South Okanagan, while clearer skies are expected to “reach already very dry fuels.” A cold front is also expected to move through the area late Friday, possibly bringing stronger winds. The fire, which has destroyed or damaged about 150 structures, is still classified as burning out of control and is about 227 square kilometres in size. It’s one of about 130 active fires burning across the province. More than 3,000 properties in the areas near Summerland have been taken off the evacuation list and residents are allowed to return, although they are on evacuation alert. The regional district said about 110 of the destroyed or damaged structures are in the Faulder and Meadow Valley areas, while 40 are in the District of Summerland. Erick Thompson, a spokesperson for the regional district, said on a livestream Tuesday night that it hasn’t received clearance to allow residents of Faulder and Meadow Valley to return to their properties to look at the damage, because of “crews and equipment that are on the road, working.” The BC Wildfire Service is also warning that residents can expect to see smouldering ground fire and smoke for the next few weeks. “This is common following large wildfires and is typically not a concern,” it said. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 19, 2026.
