Summerland residents begin returning home as roughly 1,200 properties cleared for re-entry

After more than a week away, some Summerland residents are finally able to walk back through their front doors as reopening begins in parts of the community following the Bald Range wildfire. Re-entry is currently permitted in Trout Creek and areas east of Highway 97, covering around 1,200 properties. For Scott and Linda Goodwin, returning home is a relief, although their property still bears the aftermath of the wildfire.

Smoke and ash permeate their home, with Scott describing the smell of smoke and the ash everywhere. Cleaning becomes their first priority, with Scott using a shop vacuum to clear the ash from inside their home.

Despite the relief of being home again, Linda expresses frustration over the evacuation experience. She questions why evacuees had to endure lengthy lineups to obtain necessary help and documentation, expressing concerns about the number of government workers available to handle the influx of evacuees. Linda praises the volunteers at the evacuation centre for their tireless efforts and compassionate attitude towards evacuees.

She plans to write to the provincial government, hoping her experience can contribute to improvements in future wildfire responses.

The Bald Range fire continues to burn across over 21,000 hectares, but for Linda and Scott, the immediate priority is settling back into their home after fearing they might lose it.