Thousands of residents affected by wildfires in British Columbia are being allowed to return home as evacuation orders are downgraded to alerts. Summerland residents, near the Bald Range wildfire, can now return to about 400 properties in the Trout Creek neighborhood. The Pear Lake wildfire area, including the Village of Clinton, saw evacuation orders lifted as well. Similarly, evacuation orders in Peachland and Electoral Area West were downgraded to alerts. Near the Quilpituk Creek wildfire, properties from Cinnabar Creek to Westshore Estates are now under an evacuation alert.
The B.C. Wildfire Service reports that more than 100 wildfires are active across the province. As of Friday morning, approximately 18,900 individuals were under evacuation orders, with an additional 10,000 on evacuation alert. The Quilpituk Creek fire, previously out-of-control, is now being held.
Residents are advised to inspect their properties for any issues before re-entry. Central Okanagan Emergency Management is implementing phased re-entry plans to manage traffic congestion. The re-entry guide includes instructions on discarding fridge contents and garbage disposal.
The Regional District of Central Okanagan urges patience from evacuees as fire behavior may change rapidly. Premier David Eby mentioned deploying search-and-rescue crews for damage assessments. The largest wildfires in B.C. include the Pear Lake wildfire near Clinton and the Brunswick Creek fire complex in the Fraser Canyon.
Highway 97 has reopened with limited hours, while some highway closures remain in place. Air quality warnings are in effect in southern B.C., with high health risks due to wildfire smoke. An orange air quality warning was issued for the Fraser Valley. Highway 97 is set to fully reopen in the Clinton area by Saturday noon.