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Aerial view of Summerland, B.C. (Image Credit: R.D.O.S.)
By Vernon Matters Staff
Slow Return

More Summerland residents cleared to return as Bald Range fire damages 150 structures

Aug 18, 2026 | 9:39 AM

More Summerland residents can return home as the district continues to lift evacuation orders related to the Bald Range wildfire.

As of 7 a.m. Tuesday, the evacuation order was downgraded for properties in Summerland proper west of Highway 97, including portions of Cartwright Avenue and Haddrell Avenue south of Dale Meadows Road.

Evacuation orders remain in place for some properties, including portions of Garnet Valley Road north of Jones Flat Road, as well as Blagborne, Mott, Durick, Cartwright and Garnet avenues.

Residents are being advised to check the latest evacuation information to confirm whether their property is included in the latest change.

The latest re-entry comes after Summerland officials estimated Monday that about 150 structures have been damaged or destroyed by the wildfire. About 40 of the affected structures are within Summerland’s municipal boundaries. Officials have not yet determined how many are homes and how many are outbuildings.

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The district is working to contact property owners whose structures were damaged or destroyed, but Statt said those efforts will not delay the phased return of other evacuees.

Hundreds of properties have already had evacuation orders downgraded to alerts, including areas east of Highway 97 and portions of Trout Creek.

The district says further re-entry will continue as conditions allow.

by Vernon Matters Staff
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