After enduring over a week of tension and apprehension, the majority of Summerland, B.C., residents can now return to their homes. Mayor Doug Holmes expressed relief, calling it long-awaited news for the community. The evacuation order for 3,380 properties, encompassing most of Summerland, was lifted at 7 a.m. PT on Tuesday. Efforts are underway to grant access to the remaining parts of Summerland in the coming days, as stated in a briefing by the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen on Tuesday evening.
Geotechnical assessments and power restoration work are currently in progress, with Graham Statt, the District of Summerland’s chief administrative officer, affirming that the goal is to lift the evacuation order for the entire community by Thursday. The focus is on diligently advancing to ensure access to these areas.
Meanwhile, a smaller number of properties had their evacuation orders lifted over the weekend, bringing relief to returning residents. Jan Schumacher and Cory Lee Myers expressed their emotional experiences of witnessing the wildfire threat and the relief of finding their homes unharmed upon return.
Summerland’s fire chief, Rob Robinson, acknowledged the challenges faced during the wildfire, highlighting the heroic efforts that helped save the downtown area despite the loss of a few homes. Currently, 530 properties in Garnet Valley, Prairie Valley, and Meadow Valley remain under evacuation orders, while other residents are under evacuation alert.
Mayor Holmes emphasized the ongoing safety concerns in certain areas, pending slope stability assessments and power restoration. Despite the challenges, the community is gradually recovering, with efforts to address water supply issues and manage waste disposal amid the aftermath of the wildfire. The community remains resilient, with firefighters diligently working to contain the blaze and protect the region.
The situation continues to be monitored closely as the wildfire remains classified as out of control, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to combat the fire’s aggressive behavior on the west side. Efforts are focused on ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents in the affected areas.