Government continues to work with local partners to send supports into the Penticton area to support people evacuated due to the Bald Range wildfire, from Summerland and surrounding communities.

Accommodations for evacuees

Hotel rooms remain available in Penticton, Kelowna and West Kelowna for people who have been evacuated. Those needing assistance to find an available hotel room or a referral to group lodging are encouraged to visit a reception centre at:

Penticton Trade and Convention Centre, 273 Power St., Penticton

Westbank Lions Community Hall, 2466 Main St., West Kelowna

The Province continues to ask anyone who is evacuated and able to stay with friends and family to do so. Work continues with the tourism and hospitality sector, federal government and other partners to secure additional accommodation, including pet-friendly accommodation.

BC Evacuee Helpline

The BC Evacuee Helpline is open with extended hours and increased staffing levels in place to cut wait times and support evacuees accessing Emergency Support Services. Call the BC Evacuee Helpline at 1-800-387-4258, open from 7:30 a.m. until 11 p.m.

Health-care supports

Residents can call 8-1-1 (HealthLinkBC) at any time for free, confidential health information and advice from trained health professionals.

The West Kelowna Urgent and Primary Care Centre (UPCC) is operating under extended hours from 9:30 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. every day at 2484 Main St. The Penticton UPCC is open from 5-8 p.m. Monday to Friday, and noon until 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays at 437 Martin St., unit 101.

In addition, primary care providers from Summerland have made arrangements to work out of Penticton clinics to help with continued access to primary care services for residents.

Those who have been evacuated and left medications behind, or who are running low on prescription medications, can contact a local pharmacy to discuss options for obtaining an emergency supply.

First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) Health Benefits is providing a support line for clients evacuated due to wildfires. The FNHA Health Benefits team can support clients to access health services, medications, supplies and equipment if they are evacuated or separated from their usual providers. 

Mental-health and emotional supports

Being evacuated, being on evacuation alert or being concerned for loved ones who are impacted by wildfires can have significant impacts on mental well-being.

The Provincial Health Services Authority has deployed the Disaster Psychosocial Support team to the evacuee reception centres in Kelowna and Penticton. The team provides emotional support, practical coping strategies, and connections to additional mental-health resources for people impacted by larger scale events and emergencies.