Fallen trees, bears are risks for B.C. wildfire evacuees returning home: officials
Officials downgraded or lifted orders for 2,648 properties as the Bald Range and Quilpituk Creek fires remained active.
- On Friday, British Columbia officials rescinded evacuation orders for about 400 Trout Creek properties in Summerland and lifted all orders for Peachland, allowing residents of more than 2,600 properties in the Central Okanagan to return home.
- Across British Columbia, about 110 fires are currently burning, with about 50 out of control, as the Bald Range fire forced the evacuation of 12,000 Summerland residents last weekend after it exploded in size.
- Officials warned returnees of hazards including fallen trees, damaged buildings, and bears roaming the evacuation zone. Jodie Foster confirmed Friday that officials had "completed the rapid damage assessment yesterday and no properties have been lost in the Quilpituk Creek fire."
- After being evacuated two weeks ago from the Quilpituk Creek fire, Vernon resident Rory Sproule was allowed past the barricade around 9 a.m. Friday and reunited with his cat, Spooky, finding his home intact.
- Despite these returns, the BC Wildfire Service imposed a new evacuation order Friday for properties on Princeton-Summerland Road as the fire exhibits rank-four behavior, including "passive crown fire," and continues showing increased activity.
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dailyguardian.caMore B.C. evacuees returning home Saturday, but told to prepare for changes
Residents are advised to take precautions when they return home, including sanitizing their fridges as they clear out spoiled food, and to assess trees and property for damages.
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Fallen trees, bears are risks for B.C. wildfire evacuees returning home: officials
Authorities close a section of Highway 97 in Peachland, British Columbia, on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Haven Daley) VANCOUVER — Some of the first evacuees from the deadly British Columbia wildfire that had threatened Summerland and Peachland on the shores of Okanagan Lake are being allowed home, with authorities warning of risks including fallen trees, damaged buildings, and even bears that have been roaming the former evacuation zone. T…
Thousands of B.C. fire evacuees allowed home, but Summerland orders remain in place
VANCOUVER - Residents of more than 2,000 properties near Okanagan Lake are being allowed home after wildfire evacuation orders were lifted, although they remain in place for the separate fire
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