- The Bald Range fire exploded to more than 100 square kilometres on Saturday but has since shown little growth, reflecting geography and the efforts of BC Wildfire Service crews.
- RCMP are working to confirm a report of one death, while the B.C. government reports “significant structure loss” and declared a provincial state of emergency on Saturday.
- Firefighting helicopters were diverted to rescue more than 50 residents trapped by the flames, and a perimeter map suggested the fire rolled over numerous homes on its way to the waterline.
- The fire grew rapidly, from 50 hectares on Friday evening to 50 square kilometres within a few hours, then doubling again as it closed the 15-kilometre distance to Summerland.
- About 10,000 homes are under evacuation orders in Summerland, Peachland, the regional districts of Okanagan-Similkameen and Central Okanagan, and the Penticton Indian Band lands; another 3,300 homes are under evacuation alerts.
- The fire swept through the Interior Wildlife Rehabilitation Society facility so fast that staff could only escape with their own pets and animals in their care, watching on security cameras as flames engulfed the compound.
- Summerland resident Anette Boulet described the fire as looking like “doomsday” as it bore down, and said she and her family escaped around 4:30 a.m. Saturday with their house shrouded in smoke.
More than 20,000 residents have been evacuated from Summerland and Peachland due to the Bald Range wildfire, which has devastated homes and prompted a provincial state of emergency. The fire expanded to over 100 square kilometers but has shown little new growth, thanks to firefighting efforts and geographical barriers.34
Authorities reported that 10,000 homes are under evacuation orders, with another 3,300 homes on alert. The BC Wildfire Service is actively working on containment lines to protect the outskirts of Summerland, a town of 12,000 residents.12910
Witnesses described the scene as apocalyptic, with one resident stating, “the fire looked like doomsday” as it approached. The flames engulfed homes and facilities, including the Interior Wildlife Rehabilitation Society, which lost its compound to the fire.1112
Firefighting helicopters have been diverted to rescue over 50 residents trapped by the flames, highlighting the urgency of the situation. The RCMP is investigating reports of fatalities, with one confirmed death linked to the fire's devastation.56
As the situation evolves, the community remains on high alert, with ongoing efforts to contain the blaze and protect lives and property.
“The fire exploded from 50 hectares to over 100 square kilometres within hours, prompting evacuation orders for about 10,000 homes and alerts for 3,300 more. RCMP are working to confirm one death, while the B.C. government reports significant structure loss, including the Interior Wildlife Rehabilitation Society facility.”
