Bald Range wildfire: New orders issued as some residents allowed home

Bald Range wildfire, located near Summerland, British Columbia, has expanded to over 19,800 hectares, and hundreds of firefighters are working tirelessly to control the blaze and safeguard homes and infrastructure. The fire has prompted new orders on Friday morning, with an evacuation alert issued, and some residents are now allowed to return home as the evacuation order has been partially lifted.

The entire District of Summerland is now under an evacuation alert, while Peachland and Electoral Area West residents are permitted to return to their homes by 6 p.m. on Friday.

Fire Information Officer Erin Catherall reported that fire activity has been intense, ranking from three to four, involving moderately vigorous surface fires, torching, and some passive crown fires. Firefighters have been conducting planned ignitions to secure control lines in the northern flank, which is the Peachland region. Progress is being made on the southern flank, near Mt. Conkle, near Penticton.

Structural protection and firefighters continue to work on the southern flank, while the eastern flank, along Highway 97, has conditions that are favorable for suppression efforts. Aerial scans are being conducted to identify any hotspots and mop-up operations are ongoing. Highway 97 has been opened for through traffic from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., but could close again if conditions worsen.

Catherall emphasized the exceptional dryness in the area, attributing it to low rainfall in June, July, and no rain in August. The drought moisture code, which measures moisture levels in the deep organic layers of larger fuels, is currently above 1,000, indicating a high level of dryness. Smoke in the region aids the firefight, but once it clears and blue skies appear, there is often an increase in fire activity due to the sun warming the forest floor. Wind could also exacerbate the situation on Friday.