Victoria – UPDATE AUGUST 21 – Government has extended the state of provincial emergency for a further seven days, until Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, in response to the ongoing risk of wildfires in many parts of British Columbia.
The extension follows advice from emergency-management officials and ensures the Province continues to have access to emergency powers under the Emergency and Disaster Management Act if they are required.
To date, government has not needed to issue emergency orders under the state of emergency to respond to the current wildfire situation. However, maintaining the state of emergency ensures the tools needed to respond quickly remain available as wildfire conditions continue to evolve.
The Province declared the state of provincial emergency on Aug. 8, 2026, due to wildfires burning throughout the province, including the Bald Range wildfire. At the time, more than 20,000 people were evacuated from their homes.
While most people have returned home, thousands of people in B.C. continue to be on evacuation alerts and orders, and wildfire risk in the Okanaganregion and other parts of the province remains elevated due to warm and dry conditions.
Continue to be prepared
People throughout the province are encouraged to remain prepared and stay alert to changing wildfire conditions.
People are encouraged to:
If directed to evacuate, follow all instructions from local officials.
Check emergency plans and make sure everyone in the family knows what to do in case of an evacuation alert or order.
Pre-register for Emergency Support Services through the BC Services Card app or the website: https://ess.gov.bc.ca/
Pack grab-and-go bags for each member of the household, including pets. Bags should have medications, important papers, phone chargers, water, food and clothes. Keep bags at home, at work and in the car.
Stay informed by checking with local government, First Nation or EmergencyInfoBC.ca for the latest emergency information.
UPDATE on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026; Premier David Eby has issued the following statement on the declaration of a state of provincial emergency in B.C.:
“British Columbians are waking up today to devastating news from the South Okanagan.
“Since first reported early yesterday evening, the Bald Range wildfire has grown rapidly as winds intensified, pushing into the Summerland area and affecting communities throughout the surrounding valleys. We know there have been significant losses of homes and property. We also know that some people became trapped as conditions changed quickly. To everyone affected, you are not facing this alone – the entire province is with you.
“Kelly Greene, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, 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.
“Throughout the night and into this morning, first responders, BC Wildfire Service crews, RCMP officers, emergency-management teams and local communities worked tirelessly, making heroic efforts to protect people. They continue to do everything possible to protect people and communities. Many put themselves in harm’s way to help others. On behalf of all British Columbians, I want to thank them for their courage and dedication.
“Our immediate priority is protecting lives and supporting rescue efforts. Air evacuations are underway for people who remain isolated behind the fire perimeter. Emergency officials are working around the clock to reach those who need help. We are receiving regular updates from incident commanders and co-ordinating resources across government to support the response.
“To people in affected areas: If you are under an evacuation order, leave immediately. These orders are issued to save lives. The conditions of this fire are extremely dangerous and are changing minute by minute. Follow the direction of local emergency officials so crews can do their work safely and effectively.
“A key focus right now is making sure evacuees have a safe place to stay. We urge anyone who can stay with family and friends to do so, but we know that’s not an option for everyone. We are working closely with local authorities and partners to prioritize accommodation and assistance for those who need it, and we believe we have sufficient resources at this time.
“The hours and days ahead will be difficult. The Bald Ridge fire remains extremely active and significant challenges remain. But British Columbians always show up for one another when it matters most. We will continue to support affected communities, stand with those who have lost so much and do everything possible to keep people safe.
“Our thoughts are with every person, family and community affected by this wildfire. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.”
FYI
- For more information, visit: https://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/event/stateofprovemerg2026/
Jenn Smith Facebook – August
