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3h ago

B.C. Wildfires Allow Partial Returns to Summerland

BC Wildfire Service forecasts hotter, drier weather that will raise wildfire risk.

Most of the peaches now lie rotting on the ground.
Wildfire activity on Sunday, Aug. 16, on the western flank of the Bald Range wildfire.
An undated image of a B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS) firefighter, who is seen tackling one of the province's numerous fires, was posted to social media on Aug. 12. The wildfire service said that the province will see hotter and drier conditions to start the week, even as more evacuees return home.

Overview

  • Over the weekend damage assessments in Summerland were completed and about 1,200 of roughly 5,500 evacuated properties were downgraded so residents could begin returning.
  • The B.C. Wildfire Service says there are about 129 active fires across the province, including 17 new starts in the past day.
  • Of the active fires, 37 percent are considered out of control and 36 percent are classified as held, according to BCWS reports.
  • The Bald Range blaze remains a principal concern for the South Okanagan, has been mapped at over 210 square kilometres, and continues to generate evacuation orders and alerts around Summerland.
  • Roughly 1,800 personnel and 188 aircraft are engaged in suppression work with help from other provinces and international crews, while BCWS warns lightning starts, lingering smoke and drier weather could prolong the season and complicate recovery for displaced residents.