Smoky skies from wildfires can trigger anxiety or worry in children and youth, especially amidst evacuation alerts or orders. It can be hard to know how to communicate wildfire or evacuation information to children in a way that doesn’t cause them concern.
Interior Health (IH) is pleased to confirm that the Trail Health Centre Laboratory will remain open permanently, continuing to provide outpatient laboratory services in downtown Trail.
This decision was made following engagement with community leaders, patients, physicians and staff, whose input reinforced the importance of maintaining laboratory services at Trail Health Centre.
To continue supporting increased health-care needs in the Central Okanagan, including communities affected by the Bald Range wildfire, the West Kelowna Urgent and Primary Care Centre (UPCC) will continue opening early throughout the week. The West Kelowna UPCC will open at 9:30 a.m. daily through Friday, Aug. 14, 2026.
Residents of Kimberley Special Care Home are now home following the rescinding of local evacuation alerts and orders.
A total of 53 residents were moved to alternate locations on July 23, 2026, due to risks associated with the Matthew Creek Wildfire. In planning for a safe return, Interior Health (IH) has also had to account for potential impacts from the Wait Creek wildfire, which started after the initial evacuation.
IH would like to thank all partners involved for supporting the safe relocation and repatriation of these residents.
To help support increased health-care needs in the South Okanagan, including those impacted by the Bald Range wildfire, the Penticton Urgent and Primary Care Centre (UPCC) will have expanded hours on Sunday, Aug. 9, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., for people requiring non-emergency care. The Penticton UPCC is located at 437 Martin St., Suite 101.
Merritt and area residents are advised of temporary changes to emergency department hours at Nicola Valley Hospital.
Emergency services will be unavailable from 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8 to 7 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026. Patients can access emergency care at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops during this time.
Interior Health (IH) has opened a dedicated call centre for families seeking updates on evacuated residents from Dr. Andrew Pavillion and Summerland Seniors Village.
Families can now call 1-833-971-5045 for information about their loved ones.
Call centre hours:
Interior Health (IH) is responding to the potential for fire-related impacts to health facilities and clients in the community of Summerland.
IH is working to relocate 48 residents from the Dr. Andrew Pavillion and is working with our contracted partner, West Coast Senior Housing Management, to relocate 190 residents from Summerland Seniors Village, to alternate locations away from the affected area.
New Denver and area residents are advised of temporary changes to emergency department hours at Slocan Community Health Centre.
Emergency services will be unavailable from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 6. Patients can access care at Arrow Lakes Hospital in Nakusp during this time.
Merritt and area residents are advised of temporary changes to emergency department hours at Nicola Valley Hospital.
Emergency services will be unavailable from 7 a.m. Friday, Aug. 7 to 8 a.m. Saturday, Aug.8, 2026. Patients can access emergency care at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops during this time.
All other inpatient services will continue at Nicola Valley Hospital.
