At 9:45 a.m. PT, the wildfire situation in Summerland, B.C., is continuously evolving. The entire District of Summerland, housing over 12,000 residents, has been instructed to evacuate due to the expanding Bald Range wildfire. Additionally, around 8,000 individuals in Peachland and its surrounding areas have been issued evacuation orders. The wildfire, covering more than 95 square kilometers as of Saturday morning, has been classified as a notable wildfire by authorities. The cause of the Bald Range fire is currently unknown.
The swift progression of the wildfire has led to further evacuation orders and alerts as it approaches Summerland, prompting over 20,000 people to flee the area. The mandatory evacuation of the District of Summerland was initiated shortly after midnight on Saturday in response to the Bald Range wildfire. Subsequently, properties in Peachland, Electoral Area West, Brenda Mine Road, Renfrew, Upper Princeton, Peachland watershed, Brenda Mines area, Lower Princeton, and the downtown core were placed under evacuation orders and alerts.
Highway 97 has been closed in both directions between Peachland and the Pyramid Picnic Area at Kickininee Provincial Park to ensure public safety. A state of emergency was declared by the district on Saturday, emphasizing the imminent threat to life and safety posed by the wildfire. Originating approximately 15 kilometers northwest of Summerland, the Bald Range fire rapidly expanded to 50 square kilometers within three hours of detection on Friday evening, reaching over 95 square kilometers by Saturday morning.
Evacuation directives have been issued by the Regional District of Central Okanagan, the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen, and the District of Summerland. The wildfire, exhibiting Rank 5 behavior according to the B.C. Wildfire Service, is characterized as “out of control.” The intense fire behavior, including long-range spotting and rapid flame spread, has made it one of the most swiftly advancing wildfires in the region.
Residents have been urged to evacuate immediately as the fire continues to pose a significant risk. More than 55 individuals have been rescued by air support. The B.C. Wildfire Service’s ongoing efforts involve deploying air tankers, helicopters, and ground personnel to contain the fire’s spread. Aerial evacuations were conducted as the fire approached residential structures, with the community’s population surpassing 12,000, as per the 2021 census data.
Interior Health, the regional health authority, is closely monitoring the situation and facilitating the relocation of residents from Summerland’s long-term care facilities. Efforts are underway to relocate residents from Dr. Andrew Pavilion and Summerland Seniors Village to ensure their safety. The investigation into the cause of the Bald Range wildfire remains ongoing amidst the active wildfire season in the province.