The fast-growing Bald Range wildfire west of Summerland in B.C.’s Okanagan was estimated at 5,000 hectares Friday night, prompting evacuation orders in the area.
The B.C. Wildfire Service estimated the fire at 50 hectares late Friday afternoon and 1,000 hectares Friday evening before the estimate increased to 5,000 hectares as of 9 p.m.
The wildfire service classified the blaze as rank 5, which includes an organized flame front, a fast rate of spread and moderate- to long-range spotting.
It said strong winds in the South Okanagan were expected to contribute to continued fire growth.
Firefighters, helicopters and air tankers were responding to the wildfire, while structure protection crews were working to protect buildings in the area.
Evacuation orders were issued around Faulder, a rural community west of Summerland. The affected area extended from Summerland’s western boundary to approximately kilometre 15 of Princeton-Summerland Road and included areas north toward Darke Lake and south to Bathville Road, and has been expanded to properties in the Peachland areas of 7210 Brent Road to 7100 Brent Road 7280 HWY 97S to 6801 HWY 97S and 307 Log Chute Road to 303 Log Chute Road.
The Regional District of Central Okanagan also issued an evacuation order for properties in the Brent Road and Log Chute Road areas south of Peachland.
Saving human lives the priority
Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen senior manager of communications and engagement Erick Thompson said saving human lives is the number one priority.
“Life safety is the most important thing right now, which is why we are trying to get this information out as quickly as possible.”
Thompson added that the fire has seen some of the fastest growth he has ever witnessed.
“We’ve dealt with major fires here before, but this, from what I can recall, is one of the quickest-moving, largest fires in such a short time. That is why information will be key. Don’t rely on Facebook if you don’t know if the information is confirmed from official sources.”
Premier David Eby said he was thinking of people in Summerland as the wildfire threatened the area.
“My thoughts are with the people in the Summerland area and the firefighters and emergency personnel working hard to keep people safe”
People ordered to evacuate can go to emergency reception centres on Eckhardt Avenue West in Penticton or at Lions Community Hall in Westbank.
Residents were advised to check with their local emergency authority to determine whether their property was under an evacuation order or alert.
The District of Summerland and Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen also urged residents to monitor official emergency updates and the Voyent Alert! notification service.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
