Thousands of residents in British Columbia who were forced to evacuate their homes due to wildfires are now able to return as several evacuation orders have been downgraded. In Summerland, part of the evacuation order related to the Bald Range wildfire has been changed to an evacuation alert, allowing around 400 properties in the Trout Creek neighborhood to return. Similarly, properties in Peachland, Electoral Area West, and the Village of Clinton have been downgraded from evacuation orders to alerts. The B.C. Wildfire Service reports over 100 active wildfires across the province, with approximately 18,900 people under evacuation orders and 10,000 on evacuation alert.
Evacuation orders near the Pear Lake and Quilpituk Creek wildfires have been downgraded, allowing residents to return to their properties. The Thompson-Nicola Regional District announced a phased re-entry plan for the affected areas. Furthermore, a staged re-entry process is in place for households impacted by the Quilpituk wildfire in Kelowna.
Authorities advise returning residents to inspect their properties for any damage and dispose of perishable items in their fridges and freezers as a precaution. No structural losses have been reported. The largest wildfire, the Pear Lake wildfire near Clinton, covers a vast area, while the Brunswick Creek fire complex in the Fraser Canyon also poses a significant threat.
Highway 97 has reopened with limited hours, but travelers are cautioned about changing conditions due to wildfires. Air quality warnings are in effect in various parts of southern B.C., with the Fraser Valley experiencing very high health risks due to wildfire smoke. Highway closures near Hope and Cache Creek remain in place, but Highway 97 is expected to fully reopen soon.