Hundreds of Summerland residents are now allowed to return home as an evacuation order has been partially lifted to an evacuation alert. This change affects properties in the Pear Lake wildfire area, including the entire Village of Clinton, while evacuation orders for Peachland and Electoral Area West properties have also been downgraded.
In the vicinity of the Quilpituk Creek wildfire, evacuation orders for properties spanning from Cinnabar Creek to Westshore Estates have been downgraded to an evacuation alert. B.C. Wildfire Service reports that more than 100 wildfires are still active across British Columbia.
As of Friday morning, approximately 18,900 individuals were under evacuation orders, with an additional 10,000 on evacuation alert throughout the province. Residents from various affected areas are gradually returning home as conditions improve.
Summerland residents near the Bald Range wildfire can return as a portion of the evacuation order has been downgraded to an alert. Similarly, properties in the Pear Lake wildfire area, including the Village of Clinton, are now under an evacuation alert.
The Thompson-Nicola Regional District announced a staged re-entry plan for evacuated residents, with Clinton Mayor Roland Stanke estimating around 100 homes lost due to the fire. Evacuation orders near the Quilpituk Creek wildfire have also been downgraded, affecting approximately 2,400 households.
Authorities urge returning residents to assess their properties for any issues or damage before re-entry. Central Okanagan Emergency Management emphasizes a phased re-entry process to ensure an organized return and minimize traffic congestion.
The Quilpituk Creek fire has been contained, and no structural losses have been reported. In light of ongoing wildfires, officials are closely monitoring the situation and advising residents to stay informed.
The Regional District of Central Okanagan advises residents to remain patient as fire conditions can change rapidly. Premier David Eby mentioned the deployment of specialized search-and-rescue teams to assess damage in affected areas.
Over 110 active wildfires are currently burning in British Columbia, with the Pear Lake wildfire near Clinton covering a significant area. Highways have reopened with restrictions, and air quality warnings remain in place due to wildfire smoke affecting various regions in the province.