Thousands of residents in British Columbia are being allowed to return home as evacuation orders are being downgraded to alerts in several areas affected by wildfires. In Summerland, part of the evacuation order has been lifted, allowing about 400 properties in the Trout Creek neighborhood to be reoccupied. Similarly, properties in the Pear Lake wildfire area, including the Village of Clinton, have been removed from evacuation order status.
The B.C. Wildfire Service reports that more than 100 wildfires are still active across the province. As of Friday, approximately 18,900 people are under evacuation orders, with an additional 10,000 on evacuation alert.
Evacuation alerts have been issued for areas near the Quilpituk Creek wildfire, affecting properties from Cinnabar Creek to Westshore Estates. Additionally, evacuation orders for all properties in Peachland and Electoral Area West have been downgraded to alerts.
Authorities are implementing phased re-entry plans to facilitate the return of residents and manage traffic congestion. Residents are advised to inspect their properties for any damage before returning. Despite the devastating impact of the fires, no structural losses have been reported so far.
Officials are urging residents to exercise patience as fire activity could escalate rapidly, especially with the clearing skies intensifying the risk of further spread. Premier David Eby has deployed specialized search-and-rescue teams to assess the damages caused by the wildfires.
The Pear Lake wildfire, covering 1,574 square kilometers near Clinton, remains the largest fire in the region. Meanwhile, the Brunswick Creek fire complex in the Fraser Canyon spans over 700 square kilometers.
In terms of transportation, Highway 97 has reopened with limited daytime hours, although conditions are subject to change. Air quality warnings have been issued due to wildfire smoke, with some areas facing high health risks. Highway closures north of Hope and Cache Creek are still in effect, with ongoing efforts to manage traffic flow and ensure public safety.
