Wildfire Near Summerland, BC, Remains Active as Residents Return

The western flank of the Bald Range wildfire, near Summerland B.C., is shown in this Aug. 15, 2026, handout photo. The Canadian Press/Handout — B.C. Wildfire ServiceMost evacuation orders have been lifted in Summerland, B.C., but wildfire officials say the destructive Bald Range blaze remains active and more growth is expected.While the eastern face of the fire facing the community has calmed enough to allow residents to return, the BC Wildfire Service says crews have been working along the Princeton-Summerland Road corridor and the fire’s southwestern flank.The service says that flank is challenging due to the fire behaviour and the difficult terrain.The fire, which has destroyed or damaged about 150 structures, is still classified as burning out of control and is about 227 square kilometres in size.The forecast calls for high temperatures and shifting winds this week in the South Okanagan, while clearer skies are expected to “reach already very dry fuels.”A cold front is also expected to move through the area late Friday, possibly bringing stronger winds.The Bald Range blaze is one of about 130 active fires burning across the province.More than 4,500 properties in Summerland were taken off the evacuation list this week, allowing residents to return, although they remain on evacuation alert.The regional district has said about 110 of the destroyed or damaged structures are in the Faulder and Meadow Valley areas, while 40 are in the District of Summerland.Erick Thompson, a spokesperson for the regional district, said on a livestream Tuesday night that it hasn’t received clearance to allow residents to return to Faulder and Meadow Valley, where destruction is extensive, because crews and equipment are on the road.The BC Wildfire Service is warning that residents can expect to see smouldering ground fire and smoke for the next few weeks.“This is common following large wildfires and is typically not a concern,” it said.