Investigation continues into wildfire that destroyed 100+ structures near Summerland
Published 7:41 pm Monday, September 21, 2026
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Investigators continue to seek additional potential witnesses or evidence into the origins of the Bald Range Wildfire on Aug. 7.
Penticton RCMP investigators have been working in partnership with the RCMP Forensic Identification Section, RCMP Fire Investigators, BC Wildfire Service, Natural Resource Officers, and the Office of the Fire Commissioner to determine the cause of the fire.
No details into the origins have been released, but a Sept. 21 news release stated that the investigation has completed the assessment of the affected area.
The fire erupted after 4 p.m. on Aug. 7, exploding in size to devastate the nearby community of Faulder before advancing to threaten the community of Summerland 15 kilometres away.
By the time the fire was brought fully under control, it swelled to the size of 25,163.2 hectares and destroyed more than 100 structures.
The investigation remains open as investigators look for more witnesses and evidence from the surrounding area.
A dedicated account for submissions of any digital footage, videos, and photographs has been set up at baldrangereporting@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
Investigators are seeking to speak with anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity or observed individuals, vehicles, or other actions in the vicinity of Princeton-Summerland Road and Bathville Road, including the Crump Recreation Site and Trout Creek Recreation Site.
Police are particularly interested in reviewing dashcam footage, videos, photographs, or any other information captured on Friday, August 7, beginning in the afternoon hours.
A few days after the fire started, rumours regarding the cause of the blaze were circulating on social media before being debunked by the RCMP. Rumours included a video “circulating online” of an individual setting off a “bear banger,” however, this video was recorded kilometres from the fire’s origin.
In addition to the dedicated email, anyone with information is asked to contact the Penticton South Okanagan Similkameen Regional RCMP Detachment at 250-492-4300.