The Bald Range wildfire continues to burn west of Summerland, but the threat to structures has passed.

On Tuesday, Aug. 25, BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) said that while some will remain on scene, structure protection equipment has been demobilized as the threat to structures has been diminished following mop-up operations within 100 feet of homes.

At this time, a roving initial attack crew will continue to patrol areas near structures, critical infrastructure, and other identified values.

As of Thursday morning, Aug. 27, six evacuation orders and three evacuation alerts remain in place.

BCWS continued its 24-hour operations on the blaze on Wednesday, focusing on detecting and actioning any spot fires along the west flank using ground, aviation, and heavy equipment crews. This was also due to the possibility of increased winds that were in the forecast.

On Wednesday night, ground crews used thermal scan results to target remaining areas of heat. They also conducting direct attack and mop up to strengthen containment lines across the west, north and south flanks.

Much like the last few days, the Brent Mountain Protected Area continues to be a priority area for 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.

At the west flank, where the fire remains the most active, ground crews conducted mop up and actioned spot fires north of Isintok Lake on Aug. 26.

Crews are also continuing to perform mop-up operations inside the fire’s perimeter at both the north and south flanks. North of Princeton-Summerland Road, crews have been removing any remaining heat 100 feet in from the fire’s edge. On the south flank, from the Shingle Creek area heading west, ground crews conducted mop-up 30 to 50 feet in from the fire’s edge on Wednesday.

In addition, the Highway 97 corridor is secured and fire activity in the vicinity of the highway is minimal.

The fire is now listed at 25,230 hectares in size.

As of Thursday morning, BCWS currently has an Incident Command team, 384 firefighting personnel, 57 pieces of heavy equipment, and 10 helicopters on scene.

The Bald Range wildfire is currently one of three wildfires of note and one of 197 active wildfires in the province.

Black Press Media will provide updates throughout the day.