Comments on: Kettle Valley’s steam engine 2-8-0 #3716 is shown here at the closest crossing to the enginehouse and ticket area as it moves to connect with its excursion train to take the enthusiastic riders (inc.me!) on a leisurely 10 mile ride down thru prairie valley to Faulder and back. As I am typing this up, one of British Columbia’s out of control wild fires is threatening this operation. The city of Summerland is under evacuation orders and I understand the railroad has moved as much of its equipment as possible down the line to hopefully get out of harm’s way. It is an extremely serious situation. We can only hope that the railroad and the city can somehow be spared.

By: Paul O'Shell

Paul O'Shell — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 16:46:59 +0000

https://www.kettlevalleyrail.org/news-updates/wildfire-update-tribute-to-first-responders/

By: awmooney

awmooney — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 16:42:29 +0000

UPDATE:
The KVSR escaped unharmed after that Summerland fire roared thru. They were very lucky.

By: Paul O'Shell

Paul O'Shell — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 17:50:49 +0000

Hi Steve, the Summerland fire is still burning wildly, and the town has been evacuated. Helicopters with water bags having been filling up in Lake Okanagan and then flying over my house towards Summerland.
It is extremely smokey here in Kelowna this morning (August 11, 2026) but I have been out to whipper snip my lawn and pull a few weeds. Can’t let the situation keep me indoors 24/7.
I’ll send a couple of pics to your personal email.
https://www.castanet.net/news/Summerland/627638/Bald-Range-wildfire-west-of-Summerland-expands-by-two-kilometres-around-perimeter

By: Stephen C. Host

Stephen C. Host — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 17:38:23 +0000

How are things faring? I keep reading horror stories from out there.

By: Ian Malenfant-Picard

Ian Malenfant-Picard — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 16:41:12 +0000

That’s some scary stuff, hopefully they can get these fires under control!

By: awmooney

awmooney — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 11:19:51 +0000

Thanks, Paul; for this extremely informative posting. It gives the followers of RP a closeup understanding of how bad things can get when fires rage out of control.
And yes, it was a pleasure to meet up with you at your manse. ) Quite the experience.

By: Paul O'Shell

Paul O'Shell — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 01:05:40 +0000

Nice shot Arnold!
Glad you got to visit Summerland, ride the tourist train behind KVR 3716, and of course stop in for a visit at my place in Kelowna when you were in the province last year.
The scene this year is totally different from your above pic with the numerous forest fires burning out of control in the area.
https://www.castanet.net/news/Summerland/627443/Evacuation-alert-expanded-across-Penticton-Indian-Band-lands-due-to-Summerland-wildfire