Rapid wildfire growth triggers evacuations near Summerland

A rapidly growing wildfire near Summerland prompted immediate evacuation orders Friday. BC Wildfire Service identified the blaze as K51490, while EmergencyInfoBC called it the Bald Range wildfire.

The fire grew quickly to 1,000 hectares. Evacuation orders cover Faulder and an area from Summerland’s western boundary west to about kilometre 15 of Princeton-Summerland Road, north past Darke Lake and south to Bathville Road.

Emergency Support Services were established at Summerland Arena, 8820 Jubilee Road E. Twenty firefighters, helicopters and structure-protection crews were assigned to the fire.

BC Wildfire Service said the fire was showing aggressive rank 5 behaviour, with a fast-moving organized flame front and moderate- to long-range spotting. Gusty westerly winds were expected to drive further rapid growth.