- More than 20,000 residents have been forced to evacuate British Columbia communities near Okanagan Lake overnight as the explosive wildfire continued to spread.
- Evacuation orders cover the entire community of 12,000, while a further 8,000 were told to flee in and around Peachland, both on the western shore of the lake in the B.C. Interior.
- The Bald Range wildfire was first reported on Friday afternoon, about 15 kilometres west of the community.
- In just the span of a few hours, the blaze grew in size to more than 5,000 hectares.
- Saturday morning, the BC Wildfire Service estimated the fire’s size at 9,500 hectares.
- The BC Wildfire Service says it’s displaying aggressive rank 5 behaviour, with an organized flame front and a fast rate of spread.
- Highway 97 was closed between Peachland and Trout Creek early Saturday.
- Some residents had to be evacuated by helicopter due to the fast-moving wildfire that cut off roadway access.
Over 20,000 residents have been ordered to evacuate from communities near Okanagan Lake in British Columbia as the Bald Range wildfire continues to spread aggressively. The fire, first reported on Friday, has grown to 9,500 hectares and is exhibiting rank 5 behaviour, characterized by a fast rate of spread and spotting up to a kilometre ahead of the main fire zone.
Evacuation orders encompass the entire community of Summerland, with a population of 12,000, and an additional 8,000 residents in and around Peachland. Officials have reported that some residents were evacuated by helicopter due to the fire cutting off roadway access.28
“The most important thing you can do is leave your property,” said Erick Thompson, an information officer for the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen. He described the wildfire as one of the “quickest-moving, fastest-growing” fires the region has ever faced.
As of Saturday morning, Highway 97 has been closed between Peachland and Trout Creek, complicating evacuation efforts. Residents have reported losses of homes to the fire, underscoring the urgent need for evacuation as the blaze continues to threaten lives and property.
“The Bald Range fire, first reported Friday, has grown to 9,500 hectares and is exhibiting rank 5 behaviour with spotting nearly a kilometre ahead. Officials closed Highway 97 between Peachland and Trout Creek, and some residents were evacuated by helicopter as the fire cut off road access.”
Global News
