More evacuees can return to Summerland as long road to recovery awaits many

Summerland residents can resume returning to their homes after three evacuation orders were reduced to alerts. The Pratt Creek neighbourhood and Highway 97 sections remain under an evacuation alert. BC Wildfire Service crews have contained the blaze on three sides but are still battling difficult conditions on the western flank.

The fire has scorched approximately 212 square kilometres. Hugh Murdoch, a spokesperson for the BC Wildfire Service, reported that while they have made significant progress, there are still active hot spots remaining. The area is expected to see smoldering ground fires and smoke from the fire perimeter for weeks to come. Roie Manoff, a winemaker who lost his winery to the fire, expressed concern about the long-term impact on the community.

The fire service predicts that firefighting efforts will shift northwest as more forested areas are targeted. Environment Canada issued air quality warnings due to smoke, affecting southern B.C. for at least the next two days.