BURSTUPDATE: 6:40 p.m.
The Bald Range blaze that sparked west of Summerland on Aug.7 is now considered under control, according to BC Wildfire Service.
The fire is listed as under control after growing to 25,163 hectares.
“The wildfire is not projected to spread beyond the current perimeter,” stated BCWS.
The entire District of Summerland, along with some outlying areas, was ordered to evacuate due to the blaze. Most evacuation orders and alerts have since been lifted, allowing residents to return home, 25 days after the fire ignited.
“Our priorities for the Bald Range wildfire are to maintain the safety of responders and the public, to continue suppression efforts and to support the safe return of residents to Summerland and surrounding areas,” explained BCWS on Monday evening.
Re-entry packages are available for pickup at the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) office, located at 101 Martin Street, in Penticton, beginning Tuesday, Sept. 1, during regular office hours, 8:30 a.m to 4:30 p.m.
The Bald Range Wildfire Recovery Centre will open on Tuesday, Sept. 1 at 10 a.m. at Giant’s Head School, 10503 Prairie Valley Road.
An area of restriction is in place under section 11(2) of the Wildfire Act, where a person must not remain in or enter the restricted area without the prior written authorization of an official designated for the Wildfire Act. Click here for a map of the area.
––––––––––––––––
Crews are continuing their efforts on the Bald Range wildfire west of Summerland.
As of Aug. 31, the fire was mapped at 25,163.2 hectares and was listed as being held by the BC Wildfire Service.
Crews have 322 wildland firefighters, four helicopters and 31 pieces of heavy equipment at the fire.
The wildfire began Aug. 7 and resulted in the evacuation of the entire community of Summerland as well as some outlying areas.
Since that time, evacuation orders and alerts have been lifted for most of the community.
BC Wildfire says crews are working on mop-up operations and extinguishing any remaining heat near the fire’s edge.
Heavy equipment continues to operate, and water tenders are supplying ground crews with water.
Structure protection equipment has now been demobilized.
The wildfire service is also asking that people avoid the affected areas.
“We ask that members of the public who are not residents or do not have business in the vicinity stay out of the area so residents and emergency crews can access the area safely and efficiently without unnecessary traffic congestion, as large trucks and heavy equipment may be travelling on area roads in support of fire suppression and rehabilitation activities,” a statement from BC Wildfire read.