Evacuation Orders issued overnight for Bald Range wildfire

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Evacuation Alerts were also issued for the Peachland watershed, Brenda Mines, Lower Princeton and Summerland downtown core areas.

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The Evacuation Orders and Alerts build off those issued Friday night. Maps of the affected areas can be found here for the RDOS and here for the RDCO.

In response to the fire, Interior Health stated it was working to relocate 48 residents from the Dr. Andrew Pavilion and 190 residents from the Summerland Seniors Village to alternate locations.

Highway 97 through Summerland was also closed in both directions overnight.

Reception centres for evacuees were established at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre, and the Westbank Lions Community Hall. 

As of time of publication the Bald Range wildfire was 9,500 hectares in size, and being actioned by local fire crews with support from B.C. Wildfire resources.

— Original Story —

Another wildfire has sparked in the Central Okanagan, this time near Summerland.

The Regional Districts of Okanagan-Similkameen and Central Okanagan issued an immediate evacuation order Friday evening for the following area: Faulder; from the western Summerland boundary, west to approximately kilometre 15 of the Princeton-Summerland Road, north past Darke Lake, south to Bathville Road.

The Evacuation Order was then expanded to include properties on Brent Road, Log Chute Road and Highway 97S.

People evacuating their homes were advised to:

• Follow the direction of emergency personnel.
• Shut off all gas and electrical appliances other than refrigerators and freezers.
• Close all windows and doors.
• Close gates (latch) but do not lock.
• Gather your family and, if you have room, take a neighbour or someone needing transportation. Do not use more vehicles than you have to.
• Take critical items (medicine, purse, wallet, and keys) only if they are immediately available. Take pets in pet kennels or on leash.
• Not use the telephone unless you need emergency service.

An Evacuation Alert was also issued later Friday for Brenda Mines Road, Upper Princeton and Renfrew neighbourhoods due to the growing fire. Residents in those areas were advised to be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice. A map of the areas under Evacuation Orders and Alerts can be found online here.

It ballooned in size from 50 hectares just after 7 p.m. to 1,000 hectares within 30 minutes. It was then estimated at 5,000 hectares shortly before 10 p.m.

The area under an Evacuation Order due to the fire near Summerland (Image Credit: RDOS & RDCO)

The Bald Range wildfire poses a threat to human life.

“The fire is displaying aggressive rank 5 fire behaviour, meaning an organized flame front with a fast rate of spread and moderate to long range spotting,” the B.C. Wildfire Service stated Friday evening.

“Rapid growth is expected due to gusty westerly winds.”

People were urged to evacuate to the Summerland Arena immediately.

Anyone unable evacuate should call 9-1-1.

BCWS said it was responding to the blaze with 20 wildland firefighters, airtankers and helicopters, and structure protection teams.