BC Wildfire Status Update - Kamloops Fire Centre Region

Sunday, 16 August 2026 - Multiple wildfires remain active across the Kamloops Fire Centre on Sunday, with the large Bald Range fire near Summerland continuing as the most significant incident.

This update covers the current status of fires in the Kamloops Fire Centre region, smoke and air-quality conditions in major communities, and related highway restrictions.

Kamloops Fire Centre includes the Bald Range fire near Summerland

Active Wildfires – Kamloops Fire Centre

The Kamloops Fire Centre continues to manage multiple active wildfires under dry conditions.

Key fires include:

• Bald Range (K51490) – Near Summerland. Out of Control. Approximately 19,000–20,500 hectares. Major fire of note. Crews are making progress on flanks closest to communities, with activity focused on the northwest. Some evacuation orders have been partially downgraded.

• Riley Creek – Out of Control (long-running fire south of Lillooet area).

• Lower Earl Creek – Out of Control (recently active).

• Big Bar Creek / French Bar Creek – Out of Control (approximately 1,200+ hectares near the Fraser River).

• Noblequartz Creek – Under Control.

  
  

Additional smaller or held fires are active across the centre’s zones (Kamloops, Merritt, Lillooet, Vernon, and Penticton).

Province-wide there are approximately 130 active wildfires; several of the more significant ones are within this Fire Centre.

Resources including firefighters, helicopters, structure protection units, and heavy equipment remain assigned, particularly to the Bald Range fire.

Open-fire prohibitions and off-road vehicle restrictions continue across the Kamloops Fire Centre.

Smoke and Air Quality – Major Areas in the Kamloops Fire Centre

A Yellow Air Quality Warning (with Orange warnings in some southern sections) remains in effect for the South Thompson, North Okanagan, Central Okanagan, and South Okanagan regions due to wildfire smoke.

Conditions can change rapidly over short distances.

Official Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) – Environment Canada (as of latest updates Sunday 16 August 2026):

Area	Observed AQHI	Sunday Forecast Max	Risk Level (smoke notes)
Kamloops / South Thompson	3 (Low Risk)	6	Moderate (except 10 High Risk in smoke)
Vernon / North Okanagan	6 (Moderate)	7	High (except 10 High Risk in smoke)
Kelowna / Central Okanagan	Moderate range	7	High (except 10 High Risk in smoke)
Penticton / Summerland / South Okanagan	Higher readings	7–8+	High (except 10+ Very High Risk in smoke)
Merritt / Nicola & Salmon Arm / Shuswap	Covered under broader forecasts	Similar to regional range	Moderate to High in smoke

Numerous road closures and restrictions across southern BC

Road Impacts – Kamloops Fire Centre Region

Highway 97 (Summerland / Peachland area – Bald Range wildfire)  

• Limited reopening in effect.

• Open daily 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. only.

• Through-route only — no stopping or exiting (except approved temporary access permit holders at Prairie Valley Road).

• Speed reduction in place; expect workers on or near the roadway.

• Conditions subject to rapid change.

• Detour for passenger vehicles: Forest Service Road 201 (Okanagan Falls Road) + Highway 33 (Penticton–Kelowna). Commercial traffic directed via Highway 33.

Additional notes:

• Westside Road (West Kelowna–Vernon/Spallumcheen area) has had partial restrictions related to wildfire activity.

• No widespread full closures currently listed on Highway 1 or Highway 5 within the core Kamloops Fire Centre area.

  
  

All information is subject to rapid change. Residents and travellers should monitor official sources directly:

BC Wildfire Status Update - Kamloops Fire Centre Region