After enduring over a week of tension and worry, the majority of Summerland, B.C. residents can now return to their homes. Mayor Doug Holmes expressed relief, stating that the evacuation order for 3,380 properties was lifted at 7 a.m. PT on Tuesday, allowing most of the community to come back. The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen announced plans to grant access to the remaining parts of Summerland in the coming days after completing necessary geotechnical and power-related work.
For many returning residents, the relief is palpable. Jan Schumacher and Cory Lee Myers shared their emotional experiences of the uncertainty during the wildfire, with Myers expressing gratitude for finding her home intact after an agonizing wait. Summerland’s fire chief, Rob Robinson, highlighted the efforts to save the downtown area despite the loss of some homes in the Herron Road region.
Despite the positive developments, 530 properties in Garnet Valley, Prairie Valley, and Meadow Valley are still under evacuation orders, while the rest of Summerland remains under evacuation alert. Mayor Holmes emphasized the need for safety in these areas until experts assess slope stability and restore power in Garnet Valley. Efforts are ongoing to manage a landfill fire and address the damage caused by the wildfire.
As the community continues to recover, social workers and counselors are assisting those who lost property, ensuring they have support during this challenging time. While progress has been made in containing the fire, firefighters remain vigilant as the 220-square-kilometer blaze is still classified as out of control, with active fire behavior on its western front.
Overall, the return of residents to Summerland marks a significant milestone in the ongoing wildfire recovery efforts, emphasizing the resilience and unity of the community in the face of adversity.