- Craig Milton's home and concert venue burned down last weekend in Summerland, B.C., destroying thousands of vinyl records and memorabilia.
- More than 20,000 residents were forced to evacuate Summerland and other Okanagan Lake communities last week, shortly before the province declared a state of emergency.
- As of Tuesday morning, 10,900 properties are under evacuation order across B.C., affecting roughly 20,200 people, with another 6,000 properties under evacuation alert.
- A crew of around 100 Mexican firefighters was deployed near Summerland to help fight the Bald Range fire.
- The B.C. government is providing a live update at 11 a.m. with various ministers and representatives from the BC Wildfire Service.
- Milton's concert venue, known for hosting A Night in the Valley, was a beloved local spot that featured performances from various musicians and fostered community spirit.
- The venue grew in popularity, with tickets selling out quickly and musicians receiving free food and accommodation, showcasing the community support it garnered.
B.C. officials provided a live update on the wildfire crisis, revealing that 10,900 properties are under evacuation order, impacting about 20,200 residents.3
Another 6,000 properties are on evacuation alert, affecting around 9,700 people.
The situation has escalated, prompting the deployment of 100 Mexican firefighters to assist in battling the Bald Range fire near Summerland.
Clear skies overnight contributed to increased fire activity, with conditions remaining dry and winds expected to shift, potentially complicating firefighting efforts.
Craig Milton's home, which served as a concert venue, was destroyed in the fires, leading to the evacuation of over 20,000 residents from Summerland and surrounding Okanagan Lake communities.2
Milton, who had to cancel a concert scheduled for last Saturday, expressed the emotional toll of leaving behind his animals, although they were reported safe.
“It creates its own huge updraft, and we’ve had four years of drought, so it’s tinder-dry around us,” Milton said, describing how the fire rapidly spread to his home.
The couple's concert series, An Evening in the Valley, had become a beloved local event, drawing musicians and audiences from across Canada.
The community had rallied to support the venue, raising funds for equipment and creating a vibrant cultural hub that now lies in ruins.
“The Bald Range fire near Summerland prompted deployment of about 100 Mexican firefighters, while clear skies overnight worsened dryness. Craig Milton, who lost his home and venue, said the community raised $6,000 for a PA system and musicians are now fundraising to help rebuild.”
The Globe and Mail
