Thousands of British Columbia residents affected by wildfires are being allowed to return home as evacuation orders are being downgraded to alerts. In Summerland, part of the evacuation order has been lifted, allowing about 400 properties in the Trout Creek neighborhood to return. Similarly, properties in Peachland and Electoral Area West have been moved from evacuation orders to alerts.
The B.C. Wildfire Service reports that more than 100 wildfires are still active across the province. As of Friday, approximately 18,900 individuals are under evacuation orders, with an additional 10,000 on evacuation alert statewide.
In the Pear Lake wildfire area, including the Village of Clinton, over 400 properties have been removed from evacuation orders. Evacuees are expected to start returning on Saturday. Mayor Roland Stanke of Clinton mentioned significant property damage, estimating around 100 homes lost due to the fire.
Near the Quilpituk Creek wildfire, evacuation orders for properties from Cinnabar Creek to Westshore Estates have been downgraded to alerts. Approximately 2,400 households are affected by this change.
Residents are advised to inspect their properties for any damage before returning. The Quilpituk Creek fire has been contained, and no structural losses have been reported.
The Regional District of Central Okanagan has urged patience among evacuees of the Bald Range wildfire, covering around 198 square kilometers. The fire’s behavior may change rapidly with increased sunlight exposure.
Highway 97 has reopened with limited hours, but conditions can change abruptly due to wildfires. Air quality warnings are in effect across southern B.C. due to wildfire smoke, with the Fraser Valley under a very high health risk warning.
Highway closures north of Hope and Cache Creek remain in place, with updates on the reopening of Highway 97 expected soon.
