Thousands of British Columbia residents forced to evacuate due to wildfires are now able to return home as some evacuation orders have been reduced to alerts. In Summerland, part of the evacuation order related to the Bald Range wildfire has been downgraded to an alert, allowing residents of around 400 properties in the Trout Creek area to go back. Similarly, evacuation orders for all properties in Peachland and Electoral Area West have been changed to alerts.
The B.C. Wildfire Service reports that more than 100 wildfires are still active across the province. As of Friday, approximately 18,900 people were under evacuation orders, with an additional 10,000 on evacuation alert throughout B.C.
In the Pear Lake wildfire area, over 400 properties, including the entire Village of Clinton, have been removed from evacuation orders, with evacuees scheduled to return starting Saturday. The Quilpituk Creek wildfire evacuation orders from Cinnabar Creek to Westshore Estates have also been downgraded to alerts. A staged re-entry process is in place to manage the return of evacuees and minimize traffic congestion.
Residents are advised to inspect their properties before returning, dispose of perishable items from their fridges and freezers, and follow guidelines provided upon re-entry. The emergency management website indicates no structural losses have been reported. The Quilpituk Creek fire status was changed from out-of-control to being held on Thursday.
The Regional District of Central Okanagan urges patience among evacuees of the Bald Range wildfire, highlighting the potential for increased fire activity due to weather conditions. Premier David Eby mentioned the deployment of specialized search-and-rescue crews for damage assessments in affected areas.
Over 110 wildfires are currently burning in B.C., with the Pear Lake wildfire near Clinton being the largest at 1,574 square kilometers. The Brunswick Creek fire complex around Boston Bar covers an area of more than 700 square kilometers.
Highway 97 has partially reopened with limited hours following closures due to the wildfires. Air quality warnings are in effect for several regions in southern B.C., with the Fraser Valley under a very high health risk due to wildfire smoke.
Highway 1 north of Hope and Highway 97 north of Cache Creek remain closed, while the TNRD announced the full reopening of Highway 97 in the Clinton area on Saturday at noon.
[Source: CBC News]