DAILY INTELLIGENCE LOG

STRUCTURE DEFENCE

British Columbia & Alberta

Friday, August 14, 2026

Information current as of approximately 8:30 a.m. Pacific Time.

Wildfire conditions, evacuation boundaries, road access, utilities and restrictions can change quickly. Instructions from the responsible local government, First Nation, emergency authority or transportation agency always take priority.

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OPERATIONAL ASSESSMENT

QUILPITUK CREEK MOVES INTO PHASED RE-ENTRY, WHILE BALD RANGE REMAINS THE DOMINANT ACTIVE COMMUNITY WILDFIRE EMERGENCY

Here’s what we know:

There is a meaningful improvement in the Central Okanagan this morning.

Effective today, all remaining Evacuation Orders associated with the Quilpituk Creek wildfire from Cinnabar Creek north to Westshore Estates have been downgraded to Evacuation Alert.

Evacuation Alerts south of Cinnabar Creek in the Wilson’s Landing area have been lifted.

Residents are beginning a phased return through the south end of Westside Road.

Re-entry begins at:

• 9:00 a.m. — Cinnabar Creek, Secret Point, Shelter Cove, Caesars Landing and Nahun

• 10:00 a.m. — La Casa, Fintry, Upper Fintry, Shalal Road, Valley of the Sun and Ewings Landing

• 11:00 a.m. — Estamont Beach, Killiney Beach and Westshore Estates

The north end of Westside Road remains closed. Residents returning to the area must enter from the West Kelowna side.

No structural loss has been reported within the Central Okanagan Quilpituk Creek evacuation area.

The fire itself reached Being Held status Thursday, meaning it is not expected to grow beyond its existing boundaries under current conditions and with the resources committed.

Firefighters will continue extinguishing hotspots, patrolling and monitoring the burned area.

Bald Range remains a substantially different situation.

The latest verified Central Okanagan update placed Bald Range at approximately 19,149 hectares Thursday evening after about 700 hectares of additional mapped growth overnight.

The wildfire remains active across multiple flanks and continues to be influenced by exceptionally dry fuels, wind and unstable weather.

Evacuation Orders and Alerts associated with Bald Range remained in effect in the latest verified updates.

Highway 97 has now reopened through the Summerland wildfire corridor on a limited basis:

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

• Through traffic only

• No stopping

• No access from Highway 97 into Evacuation Order areas without authorized access

• Reduced speed limits and active traffic control

The highway may close again with little notice if wildfire or operational conditions change.

Elsewhere:

• Bradley Creek is Being Held, with suppression and recovery work continuing around Okanagan Indian Band.

• Some significantly fire-damaged areas around Bradley Creek remain restricted while utility, road and hazard mitigation work continues.

• Riley Creek remains Out of Control near Texas Creek and continues to have both Evacuation Order and Alert areas.

• Pear Lake remains associated with an Evacuation Order and Alert.

• Bonanza Creek remains associated with an Evacuation Order and expanded Alert.

• Twin Two Creek has improved, with properties previously under Evacuation Order now downgraded to Evacuation Alert.

• Pavilion-Clinton Road remains closed between Clinton and Mowich Road because of wildfire.

• In-SHUCK-ch Forest Service Road remains restricted to local traffic.

• Highway 1 remains closed north of Hells Gate because wildfire continues to affect the Fraser Canyon corridor.

• Alberta’s latest Wildfires of Note update lists no Wildfires of Note.

Here’s what we’re watching:

• Whether Quilpituk Creek re-entry proceeds without complications

• Bald Range activity during renewed weekend warming

• Any Bald Range evacuation-boundary changes

• Highway 97 operating hours and possible closures

• Summerland damage assessment and eventual re-entry

• Snpink’tn / Penticton Indian Band evacuation changes

• Bradley Creek re-entry and infrastructure restoration

• Riley Creek and Pear Lake evacuation boundaries

• Highway 1 reopening through the Fraser Canyon

• Lightning and holdover-fire potential

Here’s why it matters:

Today provides a useful contrast between different phases of wildfire response.

At Quilpituk Creek, successful containment is now allowing people to begin returning home.

At Bald Range, active fire, extreme underlying dryness and a large evacuation environment continue to require caution.

A fire becoming Being Held does not mean every hazard has disappeared, and a highway reopening does not mean the surrounding wildfire emergency is over.

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TODAY'S CONDITIONS

BALD RANGE — SUMMERLAND, PEACHLAND AND SOUTH OKANAGAN

Here’s what we know:

Bald Range remains the most consequential active wildfire in the region.

The latest verified Central Okanagan estimate is approximately 19,149 hectares.

The fire grew about 700 hectares between Wednesday and Thursday’s mapping.

BC Wildfire Service reported Thursday that the wildfire remains strongly influenced by weather and wind, with activity continuing on multiple flanks.

The underlying fuel environment remains particularly important.

Approximately two millimetres of rain had been recorded across the fire area since July 1 as of Thursday’s update.

No measurable precipitation had been recorded there since August 1.

Wildfire danger in the Bald Range environment remained Extreme in Thursday’s official reporting.

Summerland is forecast near:

• Today — 28°C

• Saturday — 30°C

• Sunday — 30°C

• Monday — 31°C

The immediate extreme-heat event has ended, but a gradual warming trend is beginning again.

Here’s what we’re watching:

• Fire growth on active flanks

• Movement toward Peachland and developed areas

• Changes to Evacuation Orders and Alerts

• Wind shifts

• Thunderstorm or convective outflow

• Spotting

• Highway 97

• Summerland re-entry criteria

• Essential-service restoration

• Renewed drying as temperatures climb through Monday

Here’s why it matters:

The temperature is more moderate than during Bald Range’s initial run.

The fuel environment is not.

Very little rainfall has reached the fire area during the past six weeks, meaning deeper and exposed fuels remain highly receptive.

Several moderate days can improve short-term suppression conditions without eliminating the underlying seasonal dryness.

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HIGHWAY 97 — LIMITED REOPENING

Here’s what we know:

Highway 97 has reopened through Summerland under tightly controlled conditions.

Traffic is permitted daily from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.

The corridor is for through traffic only.

Drivers cannot stop or leave the highway to access evacuated neighbourhoods unless they have appropriate authorization.

The speed limit through the affected area has been reduced.

Crews continue working on and beside the highway.

The route may close again with little notice.

Here’s what we’re watching:

• Fire behaviour near the corridor

• Hazardous trees

• Smoke visibility

• Traffic congestion

• Emergency vehicle access

• Whether operating hours can eventually be expanded

Here’s why it matters:

A limited reopening is a significant improvement in regional transportation.

It should not be interpreted as an All Clear for evacuated areas.

The highway is being operated as a controlled transportation corridor through an active wildfire zone.

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WESTSIDE ROAD — QUILPITUK CREEK

Here’s what we know:

Quilpituk Creek is now Being Held.

All remaining Central Okanagan Evacuation Orders associated with the wildfire have been downgraded to Alert.

Residents are beginning phased re-entry this morning.

The north end of Westside Road remains closed.

Returning residents must approach through West Kelowna.

No structural loss has been reported in the affected Central Okanagan neighbourhoods.

Crews remain active throughout the burned area.

Residents may encounter:

• Hotspots

• Smoke

• Ash and soot

• Burned vegetation

• Hazard trees

• Heavy equipment

• Utility crews

• Roadside recovery work

• Water-quality advisories

Here’s what we’re watching:

• Whether the remaining Alerts can eventually be lifted

• Westside Road reopening through the north

• Hotspot activity

• Utility restoration

• Water-system conditions

• Hazard-tree removal

• Whether Being Held status remains stable during warmer weather

Here’s why it matters:

This is meaningful progress.

But re-entry is the beginning of the recovery phase, not the end of the wildfire response.

Residents should expect an active work environment and should inspect their property carefully for wildfire-related hazards.

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NORTH OKANAGAN — BRADLEY CREEK AND OKANAGAN INDIAN BAND

Here’s what we know:

Bradley Creek is now Being Held.

Crews continue mopping up hotspots within the fire area.

Some spot fires may become more visible as smoke clears.

BC Hydro continues restoration and remediation work along Westside Road and surrounding areas.

Damaged electrical equipment and service poles are being repaired or removed.

Significantly fire-damaged areas remain restricted longer while mitigation and remediation work is completed.

The north end of Westside Road remains closed through Okanagan Indian Band territory.

Here’s what we’re watching:

• Additional Evacuation Order rescindments

• Hydro restoration

• Water-system restoration

• Westside Road access

• Hazardous-tree removal

• Remaining hotspot activity

Here’s why it matters:

Bradley Creek is increasingly a recovery operation.

The fire classification has improved, but safe re-entry depends on infrastructure as much as wildfire containment.

Power lines, damaged poles, water systems, roads and burned trees all have to be dealt with before some areas can safely reopen.

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LILLOOET AND SOUTH CHILCOTIN — RILEY CREEK, PEAR LAKE, BONANZA CREEK AND TWIN TWO

Here’s what we know:

The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District continues to manage several active wildfire evacuation environments.

As of the latest verified SLRD update Thursday evening:

• Bonanza Creek remains under Evacuation Order and expanded Evacuation Alert.

• Pear Lake remains under expanded Evacuation Order and Evacuation Alert.

• Riley Creek remains under expanded Evacuation Order and Evacuation Alert.

• Twin Two Creek is now under Evacuation Alert only after its Evacuation Order was downgraded Wednesday.

Riley Creek remains Out of Control near Texas Creek.

Structure protection personnel continue operating in the area.

BC Wildfire Service has been working with property owners to establish hand guard, fuel-free areas and machine guard.

Heavy equipment and fallers are constructing control lines east of the fire and south parallel to Texas Creek Road.

Pavilion-Clinton Road remains closed between Clinton and Mowich Road.

The In-SHUCK-ch Forest Service Road remains restricted to local traffic.

Lillooet is forecast near:

• Today — 26°C with possible afternoon showers

• Saturday — 30°C

• Sunday — 31°C

• Monday — 32°C

• Tuesday — 33°C

Here’s what we’re watching:

• Riley Creek fire behaviour

• Texas Creek Orders and Alerts

• Pear Lake

• Bonanza Creek

• Whether Twin Two Alerts can eventually be lifted

• Rainfall today

• Weekend drying

• Renewed heat early next week

• Lightning later in the forecast period

Here’s why it matters:

Today may provide a short suppression opportunity.

However, temperatures climb quickly again beginning Saturday.

If today’s showers are light or localized, fine fuels may dry rapidly during the weekend.

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FRASER CANYON — HELLS GATE, BOSTON BAR AND NORTH BEND

Here’s what we know:

Highway 1 remains closed because wildfire continues to affect the corridor north of Hells Gate.

This remains one of British Columbia’s most consequential wildfire-related transportation impacts.

The hazard environment includes more than active flame.

Crews must also manage:

• Fire-damaged trees

• Rockfall

• Slope instability

• Rail infrastructure

• Utilities

• Water systems

• Restricted emergency access

Boston Bar is forecast near 28°C today with a possible afternoon thundershower.

Temperatures then rise to approximately:

• Saturday — 31°C

• Sunday — 32°C

• Monday — 32°C

• Wednesday — approximately 33°C

Here’s what we’re watching:

• Highway 1 reopening criteria

• Lightning today

• Thunderstorm outflow wind

• Falling trees

• Slope stability

• Smoke and visibility

• Renewed heat

Here’s why it matters:

Wildfire-related transportation impacts can persist long after peak fire behaviour.

A burned canyon corridor can remain unsafe because fire changes trees, slopes, rock stability and infrastructure.

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SOUTH CARIBOO

Here’s what we know:

The South Cariboo remains tied operationally to the Pear Lake wildfire environment and ongoing evacuation areas farther west and south.

Weather is comparatively moderate.

100 Mile House is forecast near 26°C today, with showers and a possible thunderstorm this afternoon.

Saturday also carries shower and thunderstorm potential.

Overnight lows remain around 9°C to 10°C, providing substantially better humidity recovery than the southern Okanagan experienced during last week’s heat.

Recreational off-road vehicle use on Crown land remains prohibited throughout the 100 Mile House Forest District.

Here’s what we’re watching:

• Pear Lake activity

• Measurable rainfall

• Lightning outside meaningful rain

• Holdover ignitions

• Grass and roadside starts

• Rural road access

Here’s why it matters:

Cooler nights and showers are favourable.

Lightning remains the tradeoff.

A storm can reduce surface fire danger in one location while creating a new ignition somewhere that receives less rain.

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SOUTHEAST BRITISH COLUMBIA

Here’s what we know:

Conditions remain relatively cool today.

Cranbrook is forecast near 21°C.

Temperatures then rise through the weekend:

• Saturday — approximately 25°C

• Sunday — approximately 27°C

Multiple active wildfire Area Restrictions remain in effect across the Southeast Fire Centre.

Recreational off-road vehicle use on Crown land remains prohibited throughout the fire centre.

Campfires and larger open fires remain prohibited.

Here’s what we’re watching:

• Existing wildfire response to recent cooler weather

• Weekend drying

• Lightning and holdover-fire potential

• New Area Restrictions

• Human-caused ignitions

Here’s why it matters:

The current cool period provides favourable suppression conditions.

But fuels can begin drying again quickly as temperatures return to the mid and upper 20s.

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ALBERTA

Here’s what we know:

Alberta’s latest provincial Wildfires of Note update lists no Wildfires of Note.

The fire-weather picture continues to improve substantially in southern and west-central Alberta.

The Calgary Forest Area is now rated Moderate.

The Fire Restriction for the Calgary Forest Area was lifted Thursday after widespread rainfall and cooler temperatures.

There are currently no active wildfires reported in the Calgary Forest Area.

The Rocky Mountain House Forest Area is rated Low.

Its broader Fire Advisory has also been lifted following widespread precipitation.

Rocky Mountain House is forecast near 17°C today following morning showers.

Temperatures rise modestly through the weekend:

• Saturday — 22°C

• Sunday — 23°C

Thunderstorm potential returns Sunday and again next week.

Here’s what we’re watching:

• Lightning-caused ignitions

• Holdover fires

• Weekend warming

• Locations that received less rainfall

• Any new Wildfire of Note

• Local municipal fire restrictions

Here’s why it matters:

This represents a genuine improvement in Alberta’s wildfire environment.

Widespread rain, cooler temperatures and reduced danger ratings lower the likelihood of rapid new wildfire growth.

The remaining watch item is lightning.

Some lightning ignitions can smoulder through wet conditions and become visible once temperatures rise again.

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ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS

THE BIGGEST CONTRAST: BETTER WEATHER, BUT EXTREME UNDERLYING DRYNESS AT BALD RANGE

Here’s what we know:

Southern British Columbia is no longer experiencing last week’s extreme heat.

However, Bald Range provides an important reminder that air temperature is only one part of wildfire conditions.

BC Wildfire Service reported Thursday that the Bald Range fire area had received approximately two millimetres of rain since July 1.

No measurable precipitation had been recorded since August 1.

The wildfire danger remained Extreme.

Here’s what we’re watching:

• Rainfall amount

• Duration of rain-free periods

• Overnight humidity recovery

• Local Drought Code and Buildup Index trends

• Fine-fuel moisture

• Response of active fires to renewed warming

Here’s why it matters:

A cooler afternoon does not automatically mean dry fuels have recovered.

Fine fuels respond relatively quickly.

Large woody fuels, deep organic layers and drought-affected soils respond much more slowly.

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HEAT — RETURNING GRADUALLY

Here’s what we know:

Today is comparatively moderate across most priority areas.

The next trend is renewed warming.

Summerland rises from approximately 28°C today to 31°C Monday.

Lillooet rises from approximately 26°C today to 33°C Tuesday.

Boston Bar rises from approximately 28°C today to the low 30s through much of next week.

This is not currently forecast to match last week’s extreme heat.

Here’s what we’re watching:

• Consecutive days above 30°C

• Overnight humidity recovery

• Fine-fuel drying

• Increased afternoon fire activity

• Whether suppression gains made during cooler weather hold

Here’s why it matters:

The direction of travel matters.

Several moderate days have helped suppression.

A return to consecutive temperatures above 30°C may begin drying exposed fuels again, particularly where rainfall remains limited.

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RAINFALL AND PROLONGED DRYNESS

Here’s what we know:

Rainfall remains highly uneven.

Possible showers today around Lillooet, Boston Bar and the South Cariboo may provide localized suppression benefits.

The Okanagan remains much drier.

Bald Range is the clearest example, with very little rainfall received over an extended period.

Alberta has received substantially more meaningful precipitation.

Here’s what we’re watching:

• Measured rainfall

• Wetting duration

• Whether active fire perimeters actually receive precipitation

• Areas repeatedly missing showers

• Drying rates afterward

Here’s why it matters:

Rain in the forecast is not enough.

The useful wildfire question is:

How much fell, where did it fall and how long did fuels remain wet?

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LIGHTNING AND HOLDOVER-FIRE POTENTIAL

Here’s what we know:

Lightning becomes an important short-term watch item today.

Thunderstorms or thundershowers are possible around:

• Lillooet and surrounding valleys

• Boston Bar and the Fraser Canyon

• South Cariboo

Lightning potential also returns to Alberta later in the weekend.

Here’s what we’re watching:

• Lightning outside meaningful rainfall

• New smoke after thunderstorms

• Fires appearing one or more days later

• Thunderstorm outflow wind

• Multiple simultaneous Initial Attack incidents

Here’s why it matters:

Lightning fires can remain concealed in roots, duff or heavier fuels.

A storm may provide helpful rainfall while also creating fires that become visible after the weather dries again.

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WIND

Here’s what we know:

There is no broad major regional wind event dominating today’s forecast.

The more important concern is localized terrain-driven and thunderstorm-related wind.

Bald Range remains particularly sensitive to changes in wind direction.

BC Wildfire Service continues to identify wind and convective activity as factors capable of increasing fire behaviour.

Here’s what we’re watching:

• Thunderstorm outflow

• Sudden wind-direction changes

• Wind alignment with slopes

• Spotting

• Smoke movement

• Falling fire-damaged trees

Here’s why it matters:

A moderate regional forecast does not guarantee moderate conditions at a wildfire.

Terrain and thunderstorms can produce short periods of stronger or erratic wind.

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GRASS CURING AND HUMAN ACTIVITY

Here’s what we know:

Cured grass and other exposed fine fuels remain capable of rapid ignition.

Broad recreational off-road vehicle restrictions remain in place across significant portions of southern British Columbia.

Recreational ORV use on Crown land remains prohibited throughout:

• Kamloops Fire Centre

• Southeast Fire Centre

• 100 Mile House Forest District

Common preventable ignition sources also include:

• Trailer chains dragging on pavement

• Hot exhaust systems in dry grass

• Machinery striking rock or metal

• Smoking materials

• Improperly extinguished fires

• Fireworks or exploding targets where prohibited

Here’s what we’re watching:

• Roadside ignitions

• Equipment-related starts

• Agricultural fires

• Compliance with ORV restrictions

• New incidents competing for wildfire resources

Here’s why it matters:

Improving suppression conditions are valuable.

Preventing another ignition helps preserve those gains.

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RESTRICTIONS AND PROHIBITIONS

Here’s what we know:

KAMLOOPS FIRE CENTRE

• Category 1 campfires remain prohibited.

• Category 2 and Category 3 open fires remain prohibited.

• Recreational off-road vehicle use on Crown land remains prohibited.

CARIBOO FIRE CENTRE

• Category 1 campfires remain prohibited.

• Category 2 and Category 3 open fires remain prohibited.

• Recreational off-road vehicle use on Crown land remains prohibited throughout the 100 Mile House Forest District.

SOUTHEAST FIRE CENTRE

• Category 1 campfires remain prohibited.

• Category 2 and Category 3 open fires remain prohibited.

• Recreational off-road vehicle use on Crown land remains prohibited.

• Multiple wildfire Area Restrictions remain active.

ALBERTA

• The Calgary Forest Area Fire Restriction has been lifted.

• The Rocky Mountain House Fire Advisory has been lifted.

• Municipal and local restrictions may still differ by jurisdiction.

No additional broad prohibition scheduled to take effect within the next 72 hours was identified during this morning’s review.

Here’s what we’re watching:

• Whether improving conditions lead to additional rescindments

• New local Area Restrictions around active fires

• Any prohibition announced for implementation within the next 72 hours

Here’s why it matters:

Restrictions remain legally in effect until the responsible authority rescinds them.

Cool weather or rainfall does not automatically end a prohibition.

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HOMEOWNER IMPLICATIONS

For residents returning after Evacuation Order:

• Follow the designated re-entry time and route.

• Expect firefighters, utility crews and heavy equipment.

• Check your water provider for drinking-water advisories before household use.

• Inspect trees and vegetation for fire damage.

• Treat damaged electrical infrastructure as energized.

• Watch for ash pits, burned roots and unstable trees.

• Keep evacuation supplies ready while an Alert remains in effect.

For residents under Evacuation Alert:

• Keep vehicles fuelled and positioned for departure.

• Keep medications, identification and important documents ready.

• Maintain plans for pets, livestock and anyone requiring assistance.

• Monitor the official evacuation map for your exact address.

For residents under Evacuation Order:

• Remain outside the restricted area until the responsible authority formally permits return.

• Do not enter to inspect property or activate protection equipment.

For residents outside evacuation areas:

• Continue basic wildfire maintenance.

• Clear dry debris from gutters, decks and immediately beside structures.

• Keep grass short where practical.

• Avoid hot equipment in cured vegetation.

• Verify current fire and ORV restrictions before property work or recreation.

These actions improve readiness.

They are not predictions and cannot guarantee structure survival.

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WHAT CHANGED SINCE YESTERDAY

QUILPITUK CREEK — MAJOR IMPROVEMENT

• All remaining Central Okanagan Evacuation Orders from Cinnabar Creek to Westshore Estates have been downgraded to Evacuation Alert.

• Alerts south of Cinnabar Creek in Wilson’s Landing have been lifted.

• Phased re-entry begins this morning.

• Residents must access the area from the south through West Kelowna.

• The north end of Westside Road remains closed.

• No structural loss has been reported in the affected Central Okanagan communities.

HIGHWAY 97 — MEANINGFUL ACCESS IMPROVEMENT

• Highway 97 is now open through Summerland from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily.

• It remains a controlled through route.

• No stopping or unauthorized neighbourhood access is permitted.

• The highway can be closed again with little notice.

BALD RANGE — CONTINUING ACTIVE FIRE

• The latest verified fire estimate increased to approximately 19,149 hectares Thursday.

• Approximately 700 hectares of additional mapped growth occurred overnight before Thursday’s update.

• The fire remains active on multiple flanks.

• Evacuation Orders and Alerts remained unchanged in the latest verified emergency updates.

• Extreme drought and very dry fuels remain major concerns.

BRADLEY CREEK

• Bradley Creek is Being Held.

• Crews continue mopping up hotspots.

• Hydro, road and hazard remediation continue.

TWIN TWO

• Properties previously under Evacuation Order remain downgraded to Evacuation Alert.

CONTINUING SLRD CONCERNS

• Riley Creek remains Out of Control and under both Order and Alert.

• Pear Lake remains under Order and Alert.

• Bonanza Creek remains under Order and Alert.

FRASER CANYON

• Highway 1 remains closed north of Hells Gate.

ALBERTA — CONTINUED IMPROVEMENT

• Calgary Forest Area wildfire danger is now Moderate.

• Calgary’s Fire Restriction has been lifted.

• Rocky Mountain House wildfire danger is Low.

• Its broader Fire Advisory has been lifted.

• Alberta continues to list no Wildfires of Note.

ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE

• Cooler conditions continue today.

• Temperatures begin rising again through the weekend.

• Thunderstorms and lightning are possible in parts of the southern Interior today.

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WHAT WE’RE WATCHING NEXT

• Quilpituk Creek re-entry

• Westside Road reopening through Okanagan Indian Band

• Bald Range fire growth

• Bald Range evacuation-boundary changes

• Highway 97 operating status

• Summerland damage assessment and re-entry planning

• Snpink’tn / Penticton Indian Band evacuation changes

• Bradley Creek utility and road restoration

• Riley Creek and Texas Creek

• Pear Lake

• Bonanza Creek

• Twin Two Alert status

• Highway 1 reopening through the Fraser Canyon

• Measurable rainfall today

• Lightning and thunderstorm outflow

• Holdover-fire detections through the weekend

• Renewed warming

• New significant wildfire starts

• Alberta restriction changes

• Any new prohibition scheduled within the next 72 hours

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STRUCTURE DEFENCE TAKEAWAY

Here’s what we know:

Today brings one of the clearest signs of progress we have seen in the Okanagan wildfire environment this week.

Quilpituk Creek is Being Held, all remaining Central Okanagan Evacuation Orders associated with the fire have been downgraded to Alert, and residents begin phased re-entry this morning.

Highway 97 has also partially reopened through Summerland.

Those are meaningful improvements.

Bald Range remains the counterpoint.

The wildfire reached approximately 19,149 hectares in Thursday’s latest verified update and remains active in an exceptionally dry fuel environment.

Very little rain has fallen across the Bald Range fire area during the past six weeks.

Riley Creek, Pear Lake and Bonanza Creek also continue to have active Evacuation Orders.

Highway 1 remains closed north of Hells Gate.

Alberta continues moving in a favourable direction after widespread rain and cooler temperatures.

Here’s what we’re watching:

The next question for Quilpituk Creek and Bradley Creek is whether containment progress continues translating into safe return and restored access.

For Bald Range, the question is different.

Can suppression gains continue as temperatures rise again through the weekend while underlying fuels remain extremely dry?

We are also watching thunderstorms closely.

Rain could provide localized help today, but lightning and erratic outflow winds can create new problems.

Here’s why it matters:

Wildfire conditions do not improve everywhere at once.

One community can be returning home while another remains evacuated.

One highway can partially reopen while another remains closed.

A wildfire can become Being Held while smoke, hotspots, burned trees and damaged infrastructure remain.

And cooler weather can improve short-term fire behaviour while seasonal drought persists underneath it.

That is why wildfire intelligence has to remain local, current and operationally grounded.

For anyone under Evacuation Order, official emergency instructions always take priority over property protection.

For everyone else, the appropriate response remains calm, practical readiness based on the conditions around the specific property and community.

Wildfire resilience starts before wildfire arrives.

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SOURCES CONSULTED

• BC Wildfire Service

• Central Okanagan Emergency Management

• Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen

• District of Summerland

• Okanagan Indian Band

• Squamish-Lillooet Regional District

• Fraser Valley Regional District

• DriveBC

• BC Wildfire Service Prohibitions and Restrictions

• BC Drought Information Portal

• Alberta Wildfire

• Alberta Wildfires of Note

• Calgary Forest Area wildfire update

• Rocky Mountain House Forest Area wildfire update

• Alberta Fire Bans

• Environment and Climate Change Canada