Thousands of British Columbia residents impacted by wildfires will be allowed to return home as evacuation orders have been reduced to alerts. Summerland has downgraded part of its evacuation order to an alert, allowing about 400 properties in the Trout Creek neighborhood to return. Similarly, the Peachland and Electoral Area West areas have transitioned from evacuation orders to alerts. The B.C. Wildfire Service reports over 100 active wildfires in the province, with approximately 18,900 people under evacuation orders and 10,000 on evacuation alert.
In the Pear Lake wildfire area, including the Village of Clinton, over 400 properties have been removed from evacuation orders. A staged re-entry process will be implemented for evacuees returning to the Quilpituk wildfire area. Notably, the Quilpituk Creek fire has been contained, and no structural damage has been reported. The Regional District of Central Okanagan urges patience from evacuees affected by the Bald Range wildfire, which has expanded to cover 198 square kilometers.
Highway 97 has partially reopened, with restrictions due to wildfire activity, while other highways in the region remain closed. Air quality warnings are in effect in several areas of southern B.C. due to wildfire smoke, with health risks prompting alerts. Efforts are ongoing to manage the wildfires and support affected communities.