Over the weekend, Premier David Eby announced a “state of provincial emergency” as B.C. wildfires force thousands of people from their homes.
In particular, fires in the Okanagan have caused the entire town of Summerland to evacuate.
On Friday, Aug. 7, the Bald Range wildfire was reported. On Saturday, Aug. 8, at 12:45 p.m., the Regional Districts of Okanagan-Similkameen and Central Okanagan, the District of Summerland, and Penticton Indian Band issued a BC Emergency Alert, ordering residents to evacuate.
Emergency Info B.C.
During a press conference on Saturday, Eby said that B.C.’s minister of emergency management and climate readiness, Kelly Greene, has declared a state of provincial emergency.
“With the addition of this new, fast-moving fire and the large-scale evacuation that occurred overnight, emergency officials advise us that they now need the specific tools it enables available to them at a moment’s notice,” said Eby, in a press release.
On Monday, Aug. 10, the B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS) published its provincial situation report on B.C. wildfires, without much good news.
“We are expecting a high potential for lightning-caused wildfire starts, particularly in the central Interior and the Okanagan, which are receiving limited precipitation and dry lightning,” the BCWS said.
“Elevated temperatures and heightened wind gusts will continue to linger in the Okanagan and southeastern regions of B.C., which can increase fire behaviour.”
Further, the BCWS stated that new fires can occur when there are periods of hot, dry weather, and can “establish and spread quickly.” The Wildfire Service said it is particularly concerned about smaller fires on steep terrain, where both wind and slope alignment can “rapidly accelerate fire growth.”
“Fires that appear manageable can transition quickly to higher intensity behaviour under these conditions.”
According to the BCWS wildfire map, the Bald Range wildfire remains out of control and is nearly 15,590 hectares.
What can the public do to help?
The BCWS advised people to report a wildfire if they see one by calling 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on a cellphone. Or, they can use the BC Wildfire Service app to report a fire.
It said that smoke might reduce visibility for their aircraft, as well as reduce the effectiveness of its fire detection technology, so “public reports are critical as they are our eyes and ears on the ground.”
Further, if someone wants to support people who wildfires have impacted, the B.C. government advises that “financial donations to trusted organizations” are the most effective way to do so.
The government suggested three organizations that people can donate to, if they have the means:
- United Way B.C. Wildfire Recovery Fund. According to United Way, donations support people with both immediate relief and long-term recovery. The funding might support food and water, hygiene kits, emergency supplies, gift cards, mental health supports, temporary accommodations, outreach, and other resources.
- Canadian Red Cross 2026 British Columbia Wildfires Appeal. These donations are used to provide “immediate and ongoing relief, recovery, and resilience efforts in response to the wildfires,” according to the Canadian Red Cross. They also use funds for community preparedness and risk reduction for future disaster events, as well as to support “mobilization” of response and community partners.
- Community Foundation of South Okanagan Similkameen’s SOS Wildfire Response Fund. The community foundation states that all funds will stay within the South Okanagan region and directly support affected residents. They said they will release further details about how they will deliver support “when time permits.”
Finally, the BCWS stated that “everyone in B.C. has a role to play in preparedness.”
Even if there isn’t a wildfire currently affecting your community, it advises all B.C. residents to prepare for one by registering for emergency notifications from your local government, having an evacuation plan, following the emergency wildfire preparedness checklist, and staying informed using trusted sources (such as the BCWS, DriveBC, and EmergencyInfoBC).
Daily Hive has reached out to officials and experts and will update this story if they respond.