Fire

Summerland expects to downgrade its final evacuation orders Friday, Aug. 21, allowing residents of about 80 properties to return to a wildfire-damaged area where electricity may not be fully restored until Wednesday, Aug. 26, chief administrative officer Graham Statt said.

The Bald Range fire is now at a size of 24,096 Hectares and remains out of control.

About 450 properties in the District of Summerland could be cleared for re-entry Thursday afternoon leaving approximately 80 properties north of Wildhorse Road under evacuation order.

The theft of critical suppression equipment, including pumps, is hampering crews at the Bald Range wildfire near Summerland, the B.C. Wildfire Service said Wednesday.

Summerland officials are targeting Thursday, Aug. 20, to allow residents of Prairie Valley, Deer Ridge and Garnet Valley to return home, although parts of Garnet Valley could reopen without electricity or pressurized water.

The majority of Summerland residents are able to return home after an evacuation order was lifted, but it's still unclear how many homes may have been lost to the Bald Range wildfire.

Emergency officials estimate about 150 structures have been damaged or destroyed by the Bald Range wildfire in Summerland and surrounding rural areas.

Summerland wineries and fruit growers are assessing potential crop losses after a fast-moving wildfire forced evacuations at the height of harvest season.

The District recommends anyone returning to their property have a full tank of gas for their vehicles and bring a minimum of three days of food and essential supplies.

Highway 97 has reopened on a limited daytime schedule between Penticton and Peachland as crews respond to the Bald Range wildfire.