Wildfire near Summerland, B.C., remains active as residents return
Residents are returning to smoke- and ash-covered homes as the Bald Range wildfire still burns across more than 21,000 hectares, officials said.
- On Tuesday, the District of Summerland downgraded evacuation orders for 3,380 properties, allowing residents to return home after the Bald Range wildfire forced the community to flee on August 7. Mayor Doug Holmes called the move "the majority of Summerland" reopening.
- The Bald Range wildfire forced more than 12,000 residents to evacuate on August 7 and has since grown to 21,391 hectares, remaining out of control. BC Wildfire Service crews continue 24-hour operations, prioritizing the northwestern flank where the blaze shows aggressive behavior.
- An initial assessment by the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen found 150 structures damaged or destroyed, with about 40 within Summerland municipal boundaries. Returning residents report ash and smoke throughout their homes, while power outages varied across the community.
- Holmes noted officials prioritized allowing residents who lost homes to visit their properties before opening re-entry to neighbors. While residents like Scott and Linda Goodwin expressed relief at returning, some evacuees faced frustration during the process.
- Despite progress, 530 properties in Garnet Valley, Prairie Valley, and Meadow Valley remain under evacuation orders. BC Wildfire Service officials warn that warmer weather and shifting winds expected Tuesday could increase fire behavior, keeping the situation unpredictable.
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Bradford Today
Returning home different for everyone after 'monster' wildfire in B.C.'s Okanagan
A staged re-entry is unfolding for residents of Summerland, B.C., while the wildfire that forced them out as it exploded on the night of Aug. 7 continues to burn out of control away from the community.
Wildfire Near Summerland, BC, Remains Active as Residents Return
Most evacuation orders have been lifted in Summerland, B.C., but wildfire officials say the destructive Bald Range blaze remains active and more growth is expected. While the eastern face of the fire facing the community has calmed enough to allow residents to return, the BC Wildfire Service says crews have been working along the Princeton-Summerland Road corridor and the fire’s southwestern flank. The service says that flank is challenging due…
A gradual return is being organized for the residents of Summerland, British Columbia, while the forest fire that forced them to evacuate the city when it broke out on the night of August 7 continues to rage, out of control, far from the community.
Relief in Summerland, BC, as fire evacuations end, but 150 structures damaged or destroyed
Most residents of Summerland, BC, are now able to return home after being chased out by a fast-moving wildfire about 10 days ago, but Mayor Doug Holmes says his community faces a "long road to recovery."
Winnipeg Free Press
Wildfire near Summerland, B.C., remains active as residents return
SUMMERLAND - While most evacuation orders have come down for the Bald Range wildfire near Summerland, the BC Wildfire Service is reporting the blaze remains active.
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