After enduring over a week of tension and worry, the majority of Summerland, B.C., residents can now head back home. Mayor Doug Holmes expressed relief, stating that the long-awaited news has finally arrived. Following the rapid spread of the Bald Range wildfire on August 7, resulting in the tragic loss of an elderly woman’s life, the community of over 12,000 was forced to evacuate.
Holmes announced the lifting of an evacuation order for 3,380 properties, marking what he referred to as the “majority of Summerland.” Efforts are underway to grant access to the remaining parts of Summerland in the coming days, as mentioned in a briefing by the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen on Tuesday evening.
Geotechnical assessments and power restoration work are in progress, according to Graham Statt, the District of Summerland’s chief administrative officer. Statt expressed optimism, stating that they are diligently working towards reopening the entire community and lifting the evacuation order by Thursday.
Residents who recently returned home shared their relief and gratitude. Jan Schumacher, one resident, described the anxiety of witnessing the fire near their homes and the immense relief of finding their properties unharmed upon return. Another resident, Cory Lee Myers, emotionally expressed the torment of uncertainty about her home’s safety and the joy of discovering it unscathed.
Summerland’s fire chief, Rob Robinson, highlighted the efforts made to combat the wildfire, particularly in the Herron Road area, emphasizing the dedication of their team and some fortunate circumstances that helped save the downtown core.
Despite the progress, 530 properties in Garnet Valley, Prairie Valley, and Meadow Valley remain under evacuation orders, while the rest of Summerland residents are on evacuation alert. Safety measures are in place until the remaining areas are deemed secure by geotechnical experts, with Garnet Valley still lacking power supply.
Holmes acknowledged the challenges faced during the evacuation process and emphasized the importance of a systematic and safe return for residents. The community continues to face challenges such as a boil water advisory due to the water treatment plant shutdown during the evacuation and a landfill fire, necessitating waste transportation to a regional facility.
The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen reported that approximately 150 structures were damaged or destroyed by the fire, with a portion within the municipality’s boundaries. Efforts are being made to support those affected, with social workers and counselors reaching out to individuals who suffered losses to provide assistance and counseling.
As of the latest update, the 220-square-kilometre fire remains classified as out of control, with firefighters containing the blaze on the southern and eastern sides while addressing the aggressive behavior on the western front.