Progress is being made at the Bald Range wildfire, but more smoke and flame could be visible on Wednesday, Aug. 26, due to the forecasted high of 31 C.

As of Wednesday morning, six evacuation orders and three evacuation alerts remain in place.

On Tuesday, BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) crews worked inside the fire’s perimeter around much of the blaze.

On the west flank, north of Isintok Lake, crews have been mopping up and extinguishing heat 25 feet in from the fire’s edge where it’s been safe to do so, with support from bucketing helicopters. Heavy equipment resources have also been in the area, working on a contingency line further to the west.

At the north flank, crews are conducting mop-up duties 50 feet in from the fire’s edge. More smoke has been visible along this flank, said BCWS.

Crews have been able to work 30 feet inside the fire’s edge at the south flank from the Shingle Creek area.

Additionally, fire activity in the vicinity of Highway 97 is “minimal”. The highway remains open.

At this time, the Brent Mountain Protected Area remains the priority area of BCWS’ suppression efforts.

“Contingency lines are established to the south, and heavy equipment is continuing to strengthen these lines as a precaution, should fire activity challenge our primary control lines,” said BCWS.

Crews are also continuing to patrol Summerland and the surrounding area to handle hot spots in proximity to structures and critical infrastructure.

As the immediate threat of wildfire has diminished and mop-up duties to 100 feet around homes and other values in Summerland and surrounding areas have been completed, structure protection crews have mostly demobilized. Some remain deployed to install equipment if required.

On Wednesday, BCWS said residents can expect to see more visible smoke and flame due to the warm temperatures, which will likely increase fire behaviour.

The fire is now listed at 25,171 hectares in size.

As of Wednesday morning, BCWS is continuing 24-hour operations on the blaze. On scene, there is currently an Incident Command team, 322 firefighting personnel, 11 structure protection personnel, 59 pieces of heavy equipment, and 12 helicopters on scene.

The Bald Range wildfire is currently one of three wildfires of note and one of 165 active wildfires in the province.

Black Press Media will provide updates throughout the day.