Bald Range wildfire grows to 136 square km, thousands remain evacuated

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Crews were focusing Sunday on limiting the fire’s spread in the drainage between Fish Lake and Garnet Valley, while the southern edge of the blaze remains a concern.

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Officials have warned that clearer skies and increasing winds could lead to more aggressive fire behaviour.

The fire has also sent heavy smoke across the region and disrupted air travel, with several flights cancelled at Kelowna International Airport.

Summerland officials said the downtown area remains intact, although structures have been destroyed elsewhere in the community. The full extent of the damage has not yet been determined.

Mayor Doug Holmes said there is no timeline for residents to return, with damaged power lines and possible contamination of the local water system among the issues that must be addressed before re-entry can begin.

Interior Health says it has helped move more than 200 people from Summerland to safer locations and is assisting families trying to reconnect with loved ones.

Penticton has become a main destination for people forced from their homes, although officials say accommodation is limited and evacuees are being encouraged to stay with friends or family where possible.

The Bald Range wildfire remains active, with firefighters continuing to work to slow its spread while evacuation orders and alerts remain in place across the region.

With files from The Canadian Press