August 2026 – Week 3
Last updated: 10 August 2026
British Columbia is experiencing an active and rapidly evolving wildfire season, with numerous fires burning across the province. This live blog tracks the latest developments, including major wildfires, evacuation orders and alerts, fire danger, weather conditions, smoke impacts and the outlook for the days ahead.
The Bald Range wildfire in the Okanagan is currently one of the principal fires being closely monitored, but this live blog covers significant wildfire developments across British Columbia.
Key developments we are tracking this week:
- The state of BC wildfires
- Tracking new and the largest fires
- Tracking the status of the fires
- Tracking the fire forecasts
BC wildfires at a glance
Last updated: 10 August 2026
Wildfire activity figures: latest available BC Wildfire Service data. Individual figures may have different update dates because wildfire information changes rapidly and operational data are updated at different times.
| Indicator | Figure | Date/source |
|---|---|---|
| Active wildfires | 105 | Latest BC Wildfire Service data |
| Out-of-control wildfires | 56 | Latest BC Wildfire Service data |
| Wildfires being held | 31 | Latest BC Wildfire Service data |
| Wildfires under control | 52 | Latest BC Wildfire Service data |
| Wildfires of note | 4 | Latest BC Wildfire Service data |
| Current largest fire | Pear Lake — approximately 126,876 ha | 7 August |
| Provincial state of emergency | Declared | 8 August |
| Evacuation orders | 32 | Latest BC Wildfire Service data |
| Evacuation alerts | 28 | Latest BC Wildfire Service data |
Data-date note: The BC Wildfire Service dashboard currently reports 139 active wildfires, including 56 out of control, 31 being held and 52 under control. Its accessible situation report is dated 26 July, while EmergencyInfoBC confirms that the provincial state of emergency and multiple wildfire evacuation notices remained active on 8–9 August. Figures should therefore be read alongside their individual source dates rather than as a single 10 August snapshot.
Latest
Monday 10th of August 2026
17:35 GMT
Wildfire status: The B.C. Wildfire Service has released the following update on the wildfire situation in the province:
We are expecting a high potential for lightning-caused wildfire starts, particularly in the central Interior and the Okanagan which are receiving limited precipitation and dry lightning. Elevated temperatures and heightened wind gusts will continue to linger in the Okanagan and southeastern regions of B.C., which can increase fire behaviour.
New ignitions occurring during periods of hot and dry weather can establish and spread quickly. Of particular concern are smaller fires located in steep terrain where wind and slope alignment can rapidly accelerate fire growth. Fires that appear manageable can transition quickly to higher intensity behaviour under these conditions.
Lingering smoke may reduce visibility for responding aircraft and limit the effectiveness of our detection technology, making public reports critical as they are our eyes and ears on the ground. If you see a wildfire, please report it to 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on a cellphone or through the BC Wildfire Service Mobile App and utilize the “Report a Fire” function, attaching a photo with your report.
While crews continue responding to new wildfire starts and maintaining sustained action on existing incidents, everyone in B.C. has a role to play in preparedness.
17:30 GMT
Bald Range: Even though the community of Summerland was evacuated, it was confirmed today that it has claimed the life of a 80-tear-old woman.
14:00 GMT
Wildfire status: Bald Range is just one of over 100 wildfires currently burning in BC, out of which 46 is classified as out of control.
13:45 GMT
Bald Range: At a news conference Eby explained the immediate aftermath and impacts:
Homes have been lost, and properties have been destroyed. Some people became trapped as conditions changed very quickly, and needed to be rescued.
13:30 GMT
Bald Range: On Sunday, David Eby, the Premier of British Columbia (BC), declared a state of emergency due to the fast-spreading Bald Range wildfire.
The fire has so far burned 14,000 hectares (ha) and forced the immediate evacuation of 22,000 people and 9,700 people told to be ready to move including the evacuation of the entire community of Summerland – home to 12,000 people.
About this live blog
This live blog tracks significant wildfire developments across BC and will be updated as the situation changes.
For the latest data on active wildfires, area burned, fire danger, weather conditions and the wider 2026 wildfire season, see our Canada wildfire dashboard.
Where appropriate, individual updates may link to more detailed coverage of significant fires or developments.
Sources: BC Wildfire Service, EmergencyInfoBC, Environment and Climate Change Canada, local authorities and other relevant official sources, alongside reporting from reputable news organisations.
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Categories: Canada, climate change, impacts, live updates, Weather, wildfires
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