Peachland residents to return home Friday, 1 week after Bald Range fire started

Peachland residents can finally return home Friday, almost a week after the Bald Range wildfire forced them to evacuate. Central Okanagan Emergency Management announced that evacuation orders for all properties in Peachland and Electoral Area West will be downgraded to evacuation alerts starting at 6 p.m. on August 14.

The Bald Range wildfire continues to burn, covering nearly 20,000 hectares. BC Wildfire is closely monitoring the weather and dry conditions, as smoke and fire suppression activities will remain visible. Residents who are still under an evacuation alert are urged to be prepared to leave immediately if conditions change.

In the nearby District of Summerland, evacuation orders for approximately 400 Trout Creek properties east of Highway 97 have been rescinded. Residents returning home are advised to be prepared for potential health hazards from wildfire smoke, ash, soot, and debris. They should consider bringing protective gear like N95 masks and work gloves, and be ready to clean and sanitize undamaged homes according to health guidelines. Property owners suspecting wildfire damage are encouraged to start insurance claims promptly.