A wildfire that caused the evacuation of numerous residents in the southern Okanagan region of British Columbia earlier this month is now under control. The B.C. Wildfire Service indicates that the fire is anticipated to stay within its current perimeter, covering approximately 252 square kilometers to the west of Summerland. The fire is no longer considered a significant wildfire, leaving only two such fires in the province, located near Boston Bar and Clinton.
The Summerland fire has been one of the most devastating in British Columbia this year, resulting in the destruction or damage of around 150 structures and prompting thousands of individuals to flee their homes. Regrettably, one fatality occurred during evacuation efforts.
In the meantime, the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen reports that smoke originating from a wildfire in Washington state, across the U.S. border, is visible in the Osoyoos area. However, there is currently no immediate threat posed to Canadian communities by this situation.
Throughout British Columbia, the number of active wildfires has climbed to approximately 210, with about 40 new fires starting within the last 24 hours. Around 30 fires have been extinguished. Despite efforts by firefighting crews, approximately 95 fires are still burning out of control, a result of new fires ignited by widespread lightning strikes over the previous weekend.