The latest updates on the wildfires in British Columbia reveal that some Summerland residents can now return home, as an evacuation order has been partially downgraded to an evacuation alert. Hundreds of properties, including the entire Village of Clinton, were removed from evacuation orders in the Pear Lake wildfire area. Similarly, evacuation orders for all properties in Peachland and Electoral Area West have been lowered to evacuation alerts.
The B.C. Wildfire Service reports that there are still over 100 active wildfires across the province. As of Friday morning, approximately 18,900 individuals were under evacuation orders, with another 10,000 on evacuation alert throughout B.C.
Residents affected by the wildfires are gradually returning to their homes as evacuation orders are lifted. In Summerland, part of the evacuation order related to the Bald Range wildfire has been downgraded to an alert, allowing around 400 properties in the Trout Creek neighborhood to welcome back residents. The Peachland and Electoral Area West areas have also transitioned from evacuation orders to alerts.
Furthermore, properties in the Pear Lake wildfire zone, including Clinton, are now under evacuation alerts, with evacuees starting to return on Saturday morning. Mayor Roland Stanke of Clinton mentioned that approximately 100 homes were lost to the fire, leading to significant devastation in the area.
Additionally, a staged re-entry plan is in place for evacuees from the Quilpituk wildfire near Kelowna, where about 2,400 households are affected. Authorities emphasize the importance of inspecting properties for any damage before re-entering and advise disposing of perishable items from refrigerators and freezers.
The situation is being closely monitored, with the Quilpituk Creek fire now under control. Meanwhile, the Regional District of Central Okanagan urges patience from evacuees of the Bald Range wildfire, as the fire’s behavior could change rapidly due to weather conditions.
Over 110 wildfires are currently active in British Columbia, with the Pear Lake wildfire near Clinton and the Brunswick Creek fire complex in the Fraser Canyon being the largest. Highway 97 has reopened with limited hours, while air quality warnings are in effect for various regions due to wildfire smoke.
Efforts are ongoing to support evacuees and manage the evolving wildfire situation across the province.
