BREAKING: 20,000 residents flee as wildfire forces state of emergency, evacuation order for Summerland

On Friday night, the Bald Range fire near Summerland prompted a mass evacuation, affecting thousands of residents. Among those displaced were numerous senior citizens living in residential care facilities. Coordinated by various health teams, these individuals were safely relocated to appropriate care facilities across the region.

David Hickey, a driver with the High Acuity Response Team, played a crucial role in receiving evacuees at the Kaigo Senior Living Facility in Kelowna. He described the situation as "fast-moving," emphasizing the urgency with which staff worked to accommodate the influx of residents. The transportation of evacuees was prolonged due to Highway 97 being closed, requiring a circuitous route that extended up to Big White and back through Princeton and Osoyoos.

Despite the challenges, most evacuees were reported to be in good spirits upon arrival, expressing shock at the rapid onset of the evacuation. Interior Health was responsible for relocating 48 residents from the Dr. Andrew Pavilion and 190 residents from Summerland Seniors Village, collaborating with Retirement Concepts to ensure a smooth transition.

Hickey advised residents and first responders alike to stay out of the way, urging everyone to prioritize safety during this unprecedented event.