After enduring over a week of worry and tension, the majority of Summerland, B.C., residents are now able to go back to their homes. Mayor Doug Holmes expressed relief, stating that the evacuation order was lifted for 3,380 properties, marking the return of most residents. The wildfire that started on August 7 led to the evacuation, tragically claiming the life of an elderly woman.
The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen announced plans to grant access to the remaining areas of Summerland in the coming days. Efforts are underway to address geotechnical and power-related tasks to ensure the safety and readiness of the community. The goal is to lift the evacuation order for the remaining properties by Thursday.
Residents shared their emotional reactions upon returning home. Jan Schumacher and Cory Lee Myers expressed relief and gratitude upon finding their houses intact. Despite a few homes being lost, Summerland’s downtown core was preserved during the wildfire. However, 530 properties in Garnet Valley, Prairie Valley, and Meadow Valley are still under evacuation orders, and other residents remain on evacuation alert.
Mayor Holmes emphasized the importance of safety precautions, with ongoing geotechnical assessments and a boil water advisory due to infrastructure challenges. The community’s landfill fire necessitates waste disposal at a regional facility. Social support is being provided to those who lost property, and firefighters continue to battle the 220-square-kilometre wildfire, which remains classified as out of control.