Jesse MacDonaldNorman ColePenticton Search and RescueTop FlightRCMP

Penticton Search and Rescue volunteers help evacuate others as their own homes burn in Bald Range wildfire; fire remains out of control at over 19,000 hectares

Penticton Search and Rescue volunteers, some of whom lost their homes in the Bald Range wildfire, have been actively assisting evacuations as the fire rages out of control, now exceeding 19,000 hectares. Their commitment highlights the dedication of these unpaid responders amid personal loss.

Global News Global News13 August 2026 · 22:13 UTC
CuriousCats Full Story

Penticton Search and Rescue volunteers have shown remarkable dedication during the ongoing Bald Range wildfire, which has consumed over 19,000 hectares. Despite suffering personal losses, many volunteers continued to assist with evacuations, demonstrating their commitment to community safety.123

“Our members were out knocking on doors and helping people evacuate while many were facing evacuation from their own homes,” said Jesse MacDonald, public affairs officer for Penticton Search and Rescue. This commitment is echoed by Norman Cole, president of the organization, who noted, “This was one of those events that brought our SAR teams closer together.”79

In total, 68 volunteers from Penticton and neighboring teams contributed nearly 4,000 hours to the evacuation efforts, not including additional planning and standby time. The fire, which has been burning for nearly a week, has prompted the Okanagan-Similkameen Regional District to begin rapid damage assessments in affected communities. However, there is no timeline for when the 12,000 residents of Summerland and surrounding areas will be allowed to return home as the area remains an active fire zone.56

The search and rescue teams have also collaborated with helicopter units to locate individuals reported missing during the evacuation, showcasing the extensive efforts made to ensure community safety amidst the chaos of the wildfire.4

Key Insight
“The volunteers, including those who lost homes, contributed nearly 4,000 hours on task, with 68 members from Penticton and neighbouring teams supporting evacuations. The fire has forced 12,000 Summerland residents from their homes, with no timeline for return as crews continue damage assessments.”
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1
Global NewsGlobal News
“Penticton, B.C., Search and Rescue members responded to the Bald Range wildfire over the weekend, working alongside RCMP officers, Service and neighbouring search and rescue teams. Now it has been revealed that several members of the team lost their homes in the massive wildfire, yet continued to report for duty and assist with evacuations. Many of their families were also evacuated from their homes in Summerland and Faulder.”
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EARLIER IN THE STORY:
B.C. chief addresses wildfire situation as Trump tariffs loom and e-scooter deaths rise
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B.C. chief addresses wildfire situation as Trump tariffs loom and e-scooter deaths rise

The chief of the Penticton Indian Band says wildfires like the one in the South Okanagan aren't natural occurrences, calling for changes to logging practices and drought conditions, and an alternative emergency route as Highway 97 is cut off.

B.C. WildfiresBritish ColumbiaCanada Tariffs
2026-08-13
TL;DR by CuriousCats.ai
  • B.C. chief has commented on the ongoing wildfire situation in British Columbia, addressing the challenges faced by the province.
  • A new round of 50 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods is set to take effect on Aug. 19 with no exemptions for CUSMA-compliant goods.
  • New data from the Canadian Paediatric Surveillance Program shows 10 kids, including six from Ontario, died from e-scooter and e-bike use in 2025.
  • U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer states that the tariffs respond to provincial bans on American liquor and Canada's supply-managed dairy system.
  • Experts warn that the threatened tariffs could drive wedges between provinces and allow Washington to exploit regional grievances, with heavy impacts on industries in B.C. and small towns in Quebec.
  • The tariffs are expected to be absolutely catastrophic for small towns that rely on one or two businesses that export to the U.S., according to Quebec's envoy.
Chief Greg Gabriel calls for co-operation to prevent fires as world changes at a 'rapid pace'; fire remains out of control, Highway 97 cut off
Toronto Star
Chief Greg Gabriel calls for co-operation to prevent fires as world changes at a 'rapid pace'; fire remains out of control, Highway 97 cut off

The chief of the Penticton Indian Band in British Columbia says events such as the wildfire that forced thousands from their homes in the Okanagan aren’t natural occurrences and more needs to be done to fix the problem.

Emergency RouteEvacuation ReturnHighway 97
2026-08-13
TL;DR by CuriousCats.ai
  • The wildfire forced thousands from their homes in the Okanagan, cutting off Highway 97.
  • Chief Greg Gabriel says such events aren't natural and calls for looking at logging practices and addressing drought conditions.
  • Gabriel has asked the province for an alternative emergency route as Highway 97 is cut off.
  • B.C. Premier David Eby acknowledges demand for secondary egress roads and says the Transportation Ministry will prioritize routes.
  • The fire remains out of control and a lightning storm with erratic winds is expected; return time is unknown.
Wildfire in British Columbia's Okanagan forces 20,000 to flee; premier says speed may signal 'new normal' as blaze grows to 184 sq km
AP NewsAP News
Wildfire in British Columbia's Okanagan forces 20,000 to flee; premier says speed may signal 'new normal' as blaze grows to 184 sq km

A wildfire in British Columbia's Okanagan region forced more than 20,000 people from their homes, destroyed homes, and killed an 80-year-old woman.

20,000 FleeCanadian WildfireDamage Assessment
2026-08-13
TL;DR by CuriousCats.ai
  • A wildfire in British Columbia's Okanagan region forced more than 20,000 people from their homes, destroyed homes, and killed an 80-year-old woman. The fire erupted Friday near Summerland and by Wednesday had grown to about 184 square kilometers (71 square miles).
  • Premier David Eby said the fire's speed may represent a 'new normal' and that the blaze outpaced wildfire modeling, leaving some residents with little time to evacuate.
  • Officials have begun damage assessments, but the area remained unsafe Wednesday with no timeline for residents to return. Crews were clearing vegetation to slow the fire's spread, and Highway 97 remained closed.
  • Eby visited an evacuation reception center in Penticton, where he met people devastated by the loss of their homes and called the woman's death a 'tragic loss.'
  • Officials withheld broader details on property losses to avoid residents learning about their homes' loss via social media or television, as stated by Emergency Management Minister Kelly Greene.
  • Eby said the province would review the response, including wildfire planning, building standards, and vegetation management, and warned that 'this is very unlikely to be the last significant fire we see this summer.'
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