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Challenging overnight conditions forecast for Bald Range wildfire
The Bald Range wildfire near Summerland remained active Monday night, with Highway 97 closed and crews preparing for difficult fire behaviour as 100 Mexican firefighters were expected Tuesday.
Challenging fire behaviour was expected overnight on the Bald Range wildfire west of Summerland, with westerly downslope winds forecast to reach 25 kilometres an hour, BC Wildfire Service said Monday night.
The fire grew between 500 metres and two kilometres during the day. Crews worked to secure and reinforce a guard in the Garnet drainage, while the fire remained active near Trout Creek and spotting was observed toward Mount Conkle. The Fish Valley area was also a concern as fire activity increased.
The blaze was estimated at about 15,580 to 15,590 hectares. Highway 97 remained closed through Summerland between Penticton and Peachland, with no estimate for reopening. Authorities cited Forest Service Road 201 and Highway 33 as detour options, although the Forest Service Road route was not recommended.
The Prairie Valley Road water treatment plant was not damaged, and crews were working to restore it to service. The Summerland landfill was also burning. More than 99 wildland firefighters, 120 structural-protection personnel, 24 pieces of heavy equipment and eight helicopters were assigned to the response, with 100 Mexican firefighters expected Tuesday.
Five evacuation orders and four evacuation alerts remained in place. RCMP are investigating the cause of the fire and cautioned the public against spreading misinformation online. Officials said re-entry for evacuees could take days to weeks because the fire remains active and damage assessments are incomplete.