In the latest update, some Summerland residents are permitted to return home as an evacuation order has been partially lifted to an evacuation alert. Hundreds of properties affected by the Pear Lake wildfire in the area, including the entire Village of Clinton, have been removed from the evacuation order. Evacuation orders in Peachland and Electoral Area West have been downgraded to alerts. Near the Quilpituk Creek wildfire, properties from Cinnabar Creek to Westshore Estates are now under an evacuation alert after the evacuation order was downgraded.
The B.C. Wildfire Service reports that there are still over 100 active wildfires across the province. As of Friday morning, approximately 18,900 individuals are under evacuation orders, with an additional 10,000 on evacuation alert throughout B.C.
Evacuees from various wildfire-affected regions are gradually returning home. The District of Summerland has downgraded part of its evacuation order near the Bald Range wildfire, allowing residents of around 400 properties in the Trout Creek neighborhood to return. Furthermore, all properties in Peachland and Electoral Area West have been shifted to evacuation alerts.
Similarly, more than 400 properties affected by the Pear Lake wildfire have been removed from the evacuation order, and evacuees will start returning to the area on Saturday. Residents impacted by the Quilpituk wildfire are also returning in stages as evacuation orders have been replaced with alerts for approximately 2,400 households.
Authorities advise returning residents to inspect their properties for any damage before re-entry. The emergency management website reports no structural losses. The Quilpituk Creek fire has been contained. In the midst of these developments, the Regional District of Central Okanagan emphasizes the importance of patience among evacuees affected by the Bald Range wildfire.
Highway 97 has reopened with limited daytime hours, but officials caution that conditions may change rapidly. Air quality warnings are in effect for several regions in southern B.C., with heightened health risks due to wildfire smoke. Highway closures persist in certain areas, with updates provided on reopening schedules and ongoing road conditions.