B.C. Wildfires Expand as Crews Battle Bald Range and Sea Lion Mountain Blazes

British Columbia is battling multiple large wildfires amid a provincial state of emergency, with crews focusing on the massive Bald Range fire near Summerland and a growing blaze northeast of Golden. The Bald Range wildfire, which has caused at least one death and forced thousands from their homes, continued to expand as of Wednesday, while the Sea Lion Mountain fire prompted an area restriction due to its growth.

The Bald Range wildfire, first discovered on August 7, 2026, was mapped at 18,450 hectares as of Thursday morning and remains out of control. The fire, located about 15 kilometres west of Summerland, has led to extensive property loss and the evacuation of approximately 20,000 residents. As of Wednesday, 11 evacuation orders and seven evacuation alerts were active in the region. The Summerland Waterfront Resort Spa announced an indefinite closure after being included in an evacuation order, stating that staff and guests were safely evacuated on the evening of August 7.

Fire crews are working to establish control lines on multiple flanks of the Bald Range fire. On Wednesday, personnel built a guard along the southern flank around Mount Conkle and continued work on...