Bald Range wildfire grows again as crews warn of possible winds, thunderstorm

The Bald Range wildfire has expanded once more, covering 18,450 hectares as of Wednesday morning. For the very first time since the blaze ignited on Friday evening, Summerland, British Columbia is now visible on the other side of Okanagan Lake from Naramata. The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen Emergency Operations Centre has confirmed that there are still no alterations to existing evacuation orders or alerts.

Assessments for potential damage have commenced in Trout Creek and North Beach, with ongoing work contingent on safety conditions. Despite the active fire, the area remains hazardous, with the Emergency Operations Centre stating that there is currently no schedule for re-entry. Essential services such as utilities, power, waste disposal, roads and safety considerations need to be secured before any consideration of re-entry can be made.

Temporary Access Permits are being issued, but they are in high demand, with each application reviewed individually in terms of safety and personal circumstances. The BC Wildfire Service anticipates the presence of stronger winds and the potential for thunderstorms, both of which could generate unstable winds that might exacerbate the fire's behavior.