Evacuation directives from Cinnabar Creek to Westshore Estates have been reduced to an evacuation alert for the Quilpituk Creek wildfire. Evacuation alerts for properties south of Cinnabar Creek in Wilson’s Landing have been canceled. A staged re-entry for residents in these areas is planned to avoid traffic congestion. The Bald Range wildfire near Summerland is growing away from the town, but re-entry for residents will be gradual. Highway 97 between Penticton and Peachland has partially reopened. The B.C. Wildfire Service reports over 100 active wildfires in the province, with thousands under evacuation orders or alerts.
Residents affected by the Quilpituk wildfire near Kelowna are now under an evacuation alert instead of an order. Central Okanagan Emergency Management announced a phased re-entry plan to facilitate residents’ return home. Residents are advised to check for any damage before returning. No structural losses have been reported. The Quilpituk Creek fire status has been improved to “being held.”
Meanwhile, the Regional District of Central Okanagan is urging patience from evacuees of the Bald Range wildfire. The fire expanded by seven square kilometers within a day and covered 191 square kilometers. Although some communities may not see significant fire activity, the situation could change rapidly. Summerland Mayor Doug Holmes mentioned that the fire is moving away from the town, allowing for organized re-entry plans once clearance is given by the BCWS.
In B.C., over 100 wildfires are still active, concentrated in the southern region. The largest, the Pear Lake wildfire near Clinton, spans 1,574 square kilometers. The Brunswick Creek fire complex in the Fraser Canyon covers over 700 square kilometers. Highway 97 has reopened with restricted hours, while closures remain in place for Highway 1 and Highway 97 in certain areas. Air quality warnings are issued for southern B.C., citing health risks due to wildfire smoke.