Highway through Summerland, B.C., reopened with limited hours, stopping restrictions

The main highway through Summerland, British Columbia, has temporarily reopened, providing a brief look at the devastation caused by a rapidly advancing fire that forced thousands to evacuate last weekend. Though patches of smoke still lingered on the charred hillsides, the most visibly damaged site from the highway was a local roadside inn that succumbed to the flames after the fire breached the road.

All exits were cordoned off with barriers, including entrances to nearby businesses, which were staffed by security personnel to prevent motorists from detouring onto the road. However, signage directed residents with temporary access permits to specific locations where they could leave evacuated neighborhoods. The BC Wildfire Service reported that the Bald Range blaze remained uncontrolled and had expanded to over 190 square kilometres.

This fire is one of four classified as significant by the service, alongside the Pear Lake fire near Clinton, the Ainslie Creek and Brunswick Creek fires outside Boston Bar.