After enduring over a week of tension and worry, the majority of Summerland, B.C., residents are now allowed to return to their homes. Mayor Doug Holmes expressed relief, stating it was the news everyone had been eagerly anticipating following the evacuation triggered by the rapid spread of the Bald Range wildfire on August 7, resulting in the tragic death of an elderly woman.
The evacuation order for 3,380 properties, constituting most of Summerland, was lifted at 7 a.m. PT on Tuesday. Efforts are underway to grant access to the remaining parts of Summerland in the coming days, as highlighted in a briefing by the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen on Tuesday evening.
Progress is being made through geotechnical evaluations and power restoration, with Graham Statt, the District of Summerland’s chief administrative officer, emphasizing their commitment to have the remaining areas accessible and the evacuation order removed by Thursday.
A smaller number of properties had their evacuation orders lifted during the past weekend, bringing relief to returning residents like Jan Schumacher and Cory Lee Myers. Schumacher expressed her disbelief upon finding her home unscathed after witnessing the fire’s approach, while Myers shared the emotional toll of uncertainty about her home’s status.
Summerland’s fire chief, Rob Robinson, credited the valiant efforts of emergency responders in safeguarding the town, particularly highlighting Herron Road in the Cartwright area as a critical battleground during the wildfire combat.
Despite the positive developments, 530 properties in Garnet Valley, Prairie Valley, and Meadow Valley remain under evacuation orders, while the rest of Summerland is on evacuation alert, ready to evacuate promptly if needed. Holmes stressed the ongoing safety concerns in certain areas, pending geotechnical assessments for slope stability and power restoration in Garnet Valley.
Challenges persist, with a boil water advisory in effect due to the water treatment plant’s offline status, and the landfill still ablaze, necessitating waste transportation to a regional facility. Initial assessments revealed approximately 150 structures damaged or destroyed by the fire, with 40 within the town’s boundaries.
Efforts continue to support affected individuals, with social workers and counselors aiding those who suffered property loss. Residents were granted the opportunity to assess their homes before the general return, reflecting the community’s support during this crisis.
As of the latest update, the 220-square-kilometer wildfire remains uncontained, with firefighters concentrating on controlling its west side, where it remains active and aggressive.