More than 20,000 residents fled communities on the western shore of Okanagan Lake overnight as the Bald Range wildfire exhibited what officials describe as some of the fastest growth ever recorded in the region.
Evacuation orders now cover all of Summerland, population 12,000, and approximately 8,000 people in and around Peachland. The fire was first reported Friday afternoon about 15 kilometres west of Summerland. Within hours it had grown to 5,000 hectares. By Saturday morning the BC Wildfire Service estimated its size at 9,500 hectares.
Extreme fire behaviour
The service classifies the blaze as rank 5, the most aggressive rating, meaning an organized flame front with a fast rate of spread and moderate to long range spotting. Gusty winds drove the rapid expansion and complicated air operations.
Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen information officer Erick Thompson called it one of the "quickest moving, fastest growing" wildfires the region has ever seen. He urged residents to leave immediately, acknowledging heavy traffic and crowded reception centres.
The most important thing you can do is leave your property. Out of an abundance of caution you shouldn't be here especially if you have children.
Residents reported watching the fire expand in real time. Corey Charlesworth, who lives on Jones Flat Road near Summerland, said he rushed home from work in Kelowna after a neighbour's warning. He described the fire's growth as an explosion from 50 hectares to 5,000 in the span of hours.
Health facilities evacuated
Interior Health is relocating 48 residents from Dr. Andrew Pavilion and moving another 190 from Summerland Seniors Village to locations outside the fire zone. The authority is contacting families directly and directing anyone needing emergency care to Penticton Regional Hospital.
Some residents required helicopter evacuation after the fire cut off road access. Central Okanagan Search and Rescue (COSAR) crews initially deployed to assist Summerland evacuations but were redirected when Highway 97 closed. They worked alongside the RCMP to evacuate several hundred homes in the Princeton Avenue area of Peachland.
Search and rescue officials warned that navigation apps are directing drivers onto the Summerland Peachland Forest Service Road toward the wildfire. They urge motorists to rely on official closure information from DriveBC.
Based on reporting by Global News.