After enduring more than a week of tension and worry, the majority of Summerland, B.C., residents can now return to their homes. Mayor Doug Holmes expressed relief, stating that the evacuation order for 3,380 properties was lifted at 7 a.m. PT on Tuesday, encompassing most of the town. The evacuation of over 12,000 residents was triggered by the rapid spread of the Bald Range wildfire on August 7, resulting in the tragic loss of an elderly woman’s life.
A smaller number of properties had their evacuation orders lifted over the weekend, providing a sense of relief for those returning home. Jan Schumacher, a resident, described the emotional rollercoaster of witnessing the fire near their homes and the immense relief of finding their houses untouched upon returning. Similarly, Cory Lee Myers expressed the anguish of uncertainty regarding the safety of her home, only to discover that it had survived the blaze.
Rob Robinson, the fire chief of Summerland, highlighted the efforts made on Herron Road in the Cartwright area, acknowledging the loss of some homes but emphasizing the successful protection of the downtown core. Despite the progress, 530 properties in Garnet Valley, Prairie Valley, and Meadow Valley are still under evacuation orders, with the rest of Summerland residents on evacuation alert.
Mayor Holmes emphasized the ongoing safety concerns in certain areas until slope stability assessments are conducted by geotechnical experts. Furthermore, a boil water advisory is in effect, and the community landfill is still ablaze, necessitating waste transportation to a regional district facility. The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen reported damage to approximately 150 structures, with around 40 of them within municipal boundaries.
Efforts are underway to provide support to those who have suffered losses, with social workers and counselors reaching out to affected individuals. Despite some containment progress, the 220-square-kilometre fire remains classified as out of control, with firefighting efforts focusing on the aggressive behavior observed on the fire’s western flank. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and prepared to evacuate if necessary.
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