More residents in Summerland, B.C., are allowed to return home as the District of Summerland modifies its evacuation order to an alert for an area east of Highway 97 and the Trout Creek neighborhood on the west side of Highway 97.
The reopening of Highway 97 through Summerland to all traffic has been completed. Evacuation orders are gradually being lifted in concerning fire areas across B.C., including Clinton and Summerland.
The B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS) anticipates smoke covering the southern half of the province to persist through Sunday. A fire information officer warns of a potential for more lightning-caused fires due to an unstable weather pattern on Sunday.
Highway 97 near Cache Creek has reopened in a limited capacity on Saturday after an extended closure because of the Pear Lake wildfire.
Summerland Mayor Doug Holmes disclosed that around 800 more properties had their evacuation orders downgraded on Sunday, bringing the total under evacuation alert to approximately 1,200 properties. Out of the 5,500 properties initially under evacuation order, the extent of fire damage is still being assessed.
Mayor Holmes expressed optimism about allowing more residents to return home gradually, with the goal of increasing the number each time based on evolving conditions.
The BCWS continues to monitor the potential for more lightning strikes and wildfires in southern B.C. despite the ongoing lifting of evacuation orders in some critical fire zones. The lingering smoke in southern B.C. is expected to persist, affecting surface temperatures and visibility for firefighting crews.
The fire information officer mentioned that firefighting crews from New Brunswick and Quebec are being deployed to assist with over 120 fires burning across B.C., predominantly ignited by lightning strikes.
Nicholas Kosovic, co-owner of the Stagecoach Cafe in Clinton, was among the returning residents when evacuation orders were downgraded. The Pear Lake wildfire, the largest in B.C. this year, covers 1,593 square kilometers and remains a significant concern.
Highway 97 in Cache Creek reopened after weeks of closure due to the Pear Lake fire. Another section of Highway 97 between Peachland and Kickininee Provincial Park, closed due to the Bald Range wildfire, was partially reopened on Thursday.
The Bald Range wildfire near Summerland spans over 210 square kilometers and remains uncontrolled. The hope is for more residents to be able to return home soon. Highway 1 north of Hope in the Fraser Canyon is closed due to wildfires, including the Brunswick Creek wildfire complex near Boston Bar covering over 700 square kilometers.