Bald Range Fire: The Emergency Is Not Over — But We Must Prepare for What Comes Next

My heart is with the people of Summerland.

The loss of approximately 150 homes is devastating. Behind every number is a family, a neighbour and a lifetime of memories. For those who have lost their homes, the impact of this fire will continue long after the smoke has cleared.

During the evacuations, I spent time at the Emergency Reception Centre simply listening to people who had been forced from their homes. I heard stories of uncertainty and loss, but also tremendous gratitude for the people who stepped forward to help.

Those conversations stay with you. They are an important reminder that behind every evacuation order, every structure-loss number and every update on a map is a person trying to figure out what comes next.

Our Communities Stepped Up

Throughout this emergency, I have been incredibly proud of the people of Boundary–Similkameen.

People opened their hearts, their homes and their fields to those who were evacuated. They found places for families to stay, made room for livestock, donated what was needed and simply showed up for their neighbours.

That is what community looks like.

But I want to be very clear about where we are today in Boundary–Similkameen: this emergency is not over.

The fire has now burned into our riding. Evacuation alerts were issued in our region over the weekend, and we still have residents who remain evacuated or on alert.

Our immediate priority must continue to be the safety of people, livestock and communities and supporting the firefighters, first responders, emergency personnel and volunteers working on the ground.

Listening and Acting Where I Can

While Summerland is outside of Boundary–Similkameen, the impacts of the emergency quickly extended into our region. Evacuees were travelling through our communities, residents were opening their homes and properties to displaced people and livestock, and our roads were becoming part of the broader emergency response.

My focus was on identifying where I could help within my riding and addressing practical issues as they arose.

One of those issues was 201 Forest Service Road. As the evacuation routes changed, the 201 became an important alternate connection through Boundary–Similkameen. I heard concerns that travellers were being directed onto the road without realizing it was an unpaved Forest Service Road, as well as concerns about whether it was prepared for the increased traffic.

I raised those issues directly with the Minister and asked that the road be made as safe and reliable as possible for those who needed to use it. The Ministry responded by deploying graders, having the local road contractor monitor the route to assist travellers, and updating DriveBC to better identify the road conditions and the paved alternative through Osoyoos or Princeton.

As the fire has now moved into Boundary–Similkameen, my focus continues to be on what is happening on the ground in our communities, raising issues quickly with the appropriate agencies and pushing for practical solutions as conditions change.

Government Must Prepare Now

Recognizing that the emergency continues does not mean we should wait to begin planning for what comes next.

The economic impacts are already happening, and some businesses, farms and ranches are facing losses that cannot be recovered.

Businesses have lost inventory in coolers they could not access during evacuation orders. Orchardists have watched entire soft-fruit harvests rot on the trees because they could not get into their orchards to pick them. Ranchers are still trying to determine whether their cattle found safety.

These are not losses that can simply be made up next month.

Tourism businesses throughout the region are also being affected. It is completely understandable that people reconsider travel plans when they see wildfires and evacuation orders in the news. But cancellations have consequences for hotels, restaurants, wineries, attractions, guides and small businesses throughout the region — including those in communities that remain open and safe to visit.

We cannot wait until this emergency is over to start figuring out how we are going to help these businesses, farms and ranches survive.

The Province needs to begin putting an immediate plan for short-term financial support in place now, alongside the longer-term recovery supports that will be needed for those who have suffered significant losses.

For many businesses and agricultural producers, the question will be whether they can absorb this financial shock and remain viable. Government support needs to arrive quickly enough to help them bridge that gap, not months later when the damage has already been done.

What We Can Do Now

Government has a responsibility to respond, but there are things the rest of us can do right now as well.

One of the simplest is to buy local.

Stop at a local farm stand. Buy local fruit and vegetables. Choose a local bottle of wine. Go out for dinner. Visit a local shop. And, where it is safe to do so, continue supporting tourism businesses throughout our region.

Those individual decisions may seem small, but collectively they matter. Every purchase helps a farmer, restaurant, winery, tourism operator or small business keep people working and their doors open during an incredibly difficult time.

There is still a great deal we do not know about the full impact of these fires, and for Boundary–Similkameen the immediate threat remains very real. Residents remain evacuated or on alert, and conditions can change quickly.

Right now, our focus needs to remain on keeping people and communities safe. At the same time, we cannot ignore the economic losses that are already accumulating. Government needs to be ready with practical, timely support for the families, farmers, ranchers and businesses affected.

Thank you to the firefighters, first responders, emergency personnel, volunteers, local governments, First Nations and community members who continue to do the work required during this emergency.

The emergency is not over. Our response needs to address what is happening today while preparing now for what will be needed tomorrow.

Important Information and Resources

Conditions can change quickly. Please continue to follow all Evacuation Orders and Alerts and rely on official sources for the most current information.

Bald Range Wildfire Updates

For the latest information on the Bald Range Wildfire, including current fire status and response information, visit the BC Wildfire Service Bald Range Fire Dashboard:

https://wildfiresituation.nrs.gov.bc.ca/incidents?fireYear=2026&incidentNumber=K51490&source=list

Evacuation Alerts and Orders

Each local government and First Nation is responsible for issuing its own Evacuation Alerts and Orders. With the Bald Range Wildfire affecting multiple jurisdictions, residents should continue to monitor information from their local government or First Nation.

To see the full area currently affected by Evacuation Alerts and Orders, visit the BC Wildfire Service Mapping Dashboard and turn on the Evacuation Alerts and Orders map layer:

https://wildfiresituation.nrs.gov.bc.ca/map

Register for Emergency Support Services (ESS)

Residents under an Evacuation Order should register for Emergency Support Services (ESS), even if they do not need specific supports at this time. Registering helps ensure you are connected to available assistance and emergency supports should you need them.

BC Evacuee Helpline: 1-800-387-4258

Summerland Re-Entry Information

For Summerland residents returning home following the Bald Range Wildfire, the District of Summerland has important re-entry information and resources available, including guidance on returning to your property, safety considerations and available supports.

Bald Range Wildfire – Re-Entry Information:

https://www.summerland.ca/city-services/eoc/bald-range-wildfire-home/bald-range-wildfire---re-entry