Southeast District RCMP responds to Summerland/Peachland wildfire

August 8, 2026 - Summerland, B.C., British Columbia
From: British Columbia RCMP

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Southeast District RCMP officers continue to provide emergency response and assistance in support of the interface wildfire in the Summerland region of B.C.

On Friday, August 7, at approximately 5:15 pm, a fast-moving wildfire (Bald Range) was reported to the Summerland RCMP, near the area of Princeton-Summerland Road. Tactical evacuations were initiated immediately by Penticton and Summerland RCMP members along with additional supports from Kelowna and West Kelowna detachments, BC Highway Patrol, RCMP Federal Policing, Southeast District RCMP and CFSEU-BC Uniformed Gang Enforcement Team (UGET). 

Southeast District RCMP is actively deploying officers from surrounding areas in order to provide policing supports to the region as well as coordinating with partner agencies for the ongoing evacuations and resources as needed. As the Provincial police force, the BC RCMP is constantly assessing police resource deployment based on emergent needs, while also ensuring policing duties to all the communities served are not compromised.

Evacuations of entire neighbourhoods and communities were largely successful but not without challenges to areas cut off by the wildfire.  Southeast District RCMP is aware of one impacted resident from Meadow Valley who has reported a possible fatality. Hazardous conditions are present in the region and police along with the BC Coroners Service are investigating to confirm.  Officers are working closely with the impacted family. 

Although the Summerland RCMP detachment is within the evacuation area, the detachment has implemented their business continuity plans and is adhering to the evacuation orders. RCMP have been receiving a high volume of calls to 9-1-1 for non-emergency matters; police are encouraging everyone to use 9-1-1 for emergency needs only in life or death or crimes in progress situations. The public is asked to exercise patience when calling the police.

Power service along with cellular communications in the region are intermittent to the wildfires. Evacuees are asked to register with the Emergency Support Services Reception (https://ess.gov.bc.ca/) in centres immediately. Motorists should check with DriveBC website (www.drivebc.ca) for the latest highway closures and updated road conditions. If anyone has been unable to contact an impacted family member or loved one, they are asked to call their local RCMP police detachments.

BC RCMP is reminding all residents throughout the province to follow the guidance of their local governments, First Nations and BC Wildfire officials. Residents in areas designated for evacuation should be prepared to leave their properties immediately to keep safe.

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