After enduring over a week of tension and worry, the majority of Summerland, British Columbia, inhabitants can now return to their homes. Mayor Doug Holmes expressed relief, stating that the evacuation order had been lifted for 3,380 properties, constituting the majority of the town. Following the outbreak of the Bald Range wildfire on August 7, which tragically claimed the life of an elderly woman, the community of over 12,000 residents had to evacuate.
Efforts are ongoing to grant access to the remaining parts of Summerland in the coming days, with geotechnical and power work in progress. The goal is to lift the evacuation order for these areas by Thursday, as confirmed by Graham Statt, the District of Summerland’s chief administrative officer. Meanwhile, a smaller number of properties had their evacuation orders lifted over the weekend.
Residents returning to Summerland expressed immense relief. Jan Schumacher shared her disbelief at finding her home intact after witnessing the fire dangerously close. Cory Lee Myers, another returning resident, expressed the emotional toll of not knowing the fate of her home. Despite challenges like power outages, residents are grateful to be back and safe.
Summerland’s fire chief, Rob Robinson, highlighted the efforts to save homes in the Cartwright area, acknowledging the loss of some residences but emphasizing the preservation of the downtown core. However, evacuation orders remain in place for certain areas, including Garnet Valley, Prairie Valley, and Meadow Valley, due to safety concerns pending geotechnical assessments.
While progress has been made, challenges persist, such as a boil water advisory and a landfill fire. The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen reported damage to around 150 structures, with ongoing support provided to those affected. The wildfire, spanning 220 square kilometers, remains classified as out of control, with firefighters focusing on containing the aggressive behavior on the western front.
Overall, the community is gradually recovering from the wildfire’s impact, with ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents.
