Penticton search and rescue members helped others evacuate as their homes burned

Penticton Search and Rescue members displayed remarkable dedication while battling the Bald Range wildfire, even as their own homes were consumed by flames. On the weekend, several team members worked alongside RCMP officers, BC Wildfire Service, and neighboring rescue teams, despite the fact that many of their families had been evacuated from Summerland and Faulder.

Jesse MacDonald, Penticton Search and Rescue's public affairs officer, highlighted the team's commitment, noting that volunteers were actively knocking on doors to help others evacuate while they themselves faced the prospect of losing their own homes. The team's helicopter unit collaborated with Top Flight to search for individuals reported missing during the evacuation.

Other search and rescue teams, including Princeton, Central Okanagan, Oliver, Osoyoos, Rossland, and Grand Forks, also responded to calls for assistance. Norman Cole, president of Penticton Search and Rescue, emphasized the strengthening of relationships with neighboring teams through this challenging response. In total, 68 Penticton and neighboring SAR volunteers contributed nearly 4,000 hours of support during the evacuation efforts, excluding meetings, planning, and standby time.

The Bald Range fire continues to rage nearly a week after its ignition, having consumed over 19,000 hectares of land. The Okanagan-Similkameen Regional District has initiated rapid damage assessments and plans to continue working as long as conditions permit. A re-entry pre-plan is being developed, but due to the active nature of the fire, there is currently no timeline for the return of residents from Summerland and surrounding areas, which include around 12,000 people.