The most recent updates indicate that Highway 97, connecting Penticton and Peachland through Summerland, has reopened with restricted hours. Approximately 18,900 individuals are under evacuation orders and an additional 10,000 are on evacuation alert throughout British Columbia as of Thursday morning. The Quilpituk Creek fire near Kelowna is now under control, and evacuees are advised to prepare for potential re-entry while evacuation orders remain in effect.
British Columbia’s premier has committed to evaluating the province’s emergency response following the growth of the Bald Range wildfire, which has expanded to 191 square kilometers and continues to burn out of control near Summerland.
Highway 97 has resumed limited operations between Peachland and the Pyramid Picnic Area in Kickininee Provincial Park, with travel allowed only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. PT daily as a through-route without stopping or exiting the highway permitted. Closure remains in effect for Highway 1 north of Hope and Highway 97 north of Cache Creek.
The Ainslie Creek wildfire’s northeastern edge, spanning approximately 616 square kilometers near Boston Bar, is nearing Highway 8. Firefighters are stationed around the clock to prevent the fire from encroaching on the highway and nearby structures in the Nooaitch Indian Band reserve.
Notably, some evacuees may soon return home as the Quilpituk Creek fire status has been downgraded from “out of control” to “being held.” Over 100 wildfires are currently active in B.C., primarily concentrated in the southern region. The largest fire, the Pear Lake wildfire near Clinton, spans 1,568 square kilometers.
The Bald Range wildfire near Summerland has surged to an estimated 191 square kilometers, causing significant property damage. Officials are urging patience from evacuees as specialized search-and-rescue teams assess the losses. Premier David Eby highlighted the unprecedented growth rate of the fire and emphasized the need for a review of emergency response procedures.
Penticton Indian Band Chief Greg Gabriel stressed the importance of Indigenous involvement in fire prevention efforts, attributing the escalating wildfires to human activities. The District of Squamish has blocked vehicle access to the Skwelwil’em Squamish Estuary due to high fire risk, while a ban on recreational off-road vehicle use on Crown land has been imposed in fire-prone areas across the province.