As thousands of people fled the fast-moving Bald Range wildfire, the Village of Naramata quietly opened its doors.
Businesses, firefighters and community members rallied to support their neighbours across Okanagan Lake after roughly 12,000 people, the entire District of Summerland, were forced to evacuate on the night of Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
For many evacuees, Naramata became a place to catch their breath, regroup and experience the kindness of strangers.
At the Naramata Village Motel, manager and co-owner Debra Selwood began receiving calls in the early hours of the morning.
“One couple had flown into Penticton and they were staying as tourists in Summerland and got evacuated to Penticton. They slept in their car that night and came and spent one night with us while they regrouped. They drove from Naramata to Abbotsford and got a flight home to Edmonton from there,” Selwood said.
Another family arrived after an equally difficult night.
“Others were a young family from Summerland with their two little children. They slept in their car with their kids and spent one night with us. They found housing in Penticton.”
For Selwood, offering a room felt like a small gesture during an overwhelming time, but one that mattered.
“It’s an emotional time for everyone. We’ve had tears and hugs. People are coming together and helping.”
The compassion extended well beyond the motel.
One of the motel’s housekeepers, Julie, went home to her own closet, gathered clothing and brought it back for a family who had lost access to their belongings.
“Those are the gestures that make the biggest difference. They’re long lasting. I’m sure that family will remember Julie forever,” Selwood said.
Just down the road, Ashley Selwood, owner of Just Baked Nine Mile, was finding her own way to help.
She prepared bagged lunches and boxes of baking for firefighters working on the front lines and made the decision to keep her restaurant open despite the heavy smoke blanketing the valley.
“I just wanted to make sure that people still had a place to gather and connect. I think because it’s the local coffee house, it’s super important to have that space.”
Members of the Naramata Fire Department are also playing a critical role in the wildfire response.
Acting Deputy Chief Chris Heisler said two apparatuses, including a tender and a bush truck staffed by five firefighters, have been deployed to the Summerland wildfire.
While firefighters are helping protect neighbouring communities, residents have been asking how they can support those serving on the front lines.
“We’ve had many members of the community come by and offer to help out if we need. They were willing to come answer phones at the hall or clean up stuff or whatever we needed,” Heisler said.
He said local businesses have also stepped up in meaningful ways.
“We’re very grateful that we have these businesses that are willing to step up and help out the firefighters. We couldn’t do it without them. We really appreciate all of the support.”
At Modesta Winery, owners Mark and Tanya Morrison opened the doors to their three-bedroom, two-bathroom guest house, offering it free of charge to evacuees.
“It was available and it’s tough seeing people struggle and people in their cars and people losing their farms and their homes. It is there, nothing being used. We are happy to do it. We know neighbours would do the same if we were in this situation.”
The Naramata Centre also quickly transformed into a place of refuge.
Fifteen evacuees arrived in the middle of the night on Friday seeking a safe place to stay.
In a statement posted to its website, the retreat and hospitality property reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to serving the community.
“We have said for a long time that we are here for our neighbours,” the statement reads.
“There are times when we are called to be in service, and we believe this is one of them. So we have cancelled Gospel Week and all adult programming for Week 5, August 9 to 15. We are offering those rooms to people who have nowhere else to sleep because of an emergency evacuation order. Columbia Hall is open all day for anyone who is camping, and for anyone who would rather be inside for a while. N95 masks are at the front desk. Please take one if you would like one, for any reason at all.”
In moments of crisis, communities often reveal who they are.
Across Naramata, that spirit has been evident in motel rooms opened to strangers, meals prepared for firefighters, guest houses offered without hesitation, and countless acts of generosity carried out quietly behind the scenes.