More Summerland residents allowed home as Bald Range fire grows to 24,000 hectares

Residents in Summerland, British Columbia, are gradually being allowed to return home as the Bald Range wildfire, which has been burning out of control for two weeks, shows signs of reduced activity. The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen has downgraded an evacuation order to an alert for nearly the entire community, offering some relief to those displaced.

However, homes in the Garnet Valley area are still subject to an evacuation order, indicating that the immediate threat has not entirely subsided. The BC Wildfire Service attributes the recent dampening of the blaze to smoke from other fires, which has suppressed the fire's intensity.

Despite the temporary lull, conditions are expected to change. The BC Wildfire Service anticipates that the fire could pick up activity on Friday due to potentially increasing winds and rising temperatures into the 30s, coupled with dropping humidity. The service is maintaining 24-hour operations, deploying ground crews, structure protection personnel, and various aviation resources, including helicopters and airtankers.

The Bald Range wildfire has already had a significant impact, burning more than 24,000 hectares and destroying an estimated 150 structures since it ignited two weeks prior. The ongoing efforts aim to contain the blaze and protect remaining properties while allowing more residents to return to their homes.