Over 20,000 flee as B.C evacuation orders in full swing due to aggressive wildfire

Over 20,000 residents in British Columbia have been forced to evacuate their homes due to a rapidly spreading wildfire near Okanagan Lake. The Bald Range wildfire, which began on Friday afternoon, has grown to over 9,500 hectares, with the BC Wildfire Service describing it as displaying aggressive and fast-growing behavior. Evacuation orders cover the entire community of Summerland, home to 12,000 people, and an additional 8,000 residents from surrounding areas on the western shore of the lake.

Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen information officer Erick Thompson urged residents to leave immediately, emphasizing the dangers posed by the fire's organized flame front and fast rate of spread. Thompson noted heavy traffic and crowded reception centers, urging people to check on their neighbors as they evacuate. Some residents have lost their homes to the blaze, with Corey Charlesworth reporting the fire rapidly expanding from 15 to over 5,000 hectares in just a few hours.

The wildfire is also impacting the regional health system, with 48 residents evacuated from Dr. Andrew Pavilion and another 190 from Summerland Seniors Village. Interior Health is working to relocate affected residents to alternate locations outside the affected area. Helicopter evacuations have been necessary due to the wildfire cutting off roadway access.

Central Okanagan Search and Rescue (COSAR) reported that members were initially called to assist with evacuations but were redirected after Highway 97 was closed by the fire. COSAR warned that some navigation apps were directing motorists onto the Summerland-Peachland Forest Service Road, sending them toward the wildfire. Search and rescue officials urge drivers to rely on official road closure information from DriveBC instead of navigation apps.