Summerland resort closes as Bald Range wildfire grows

Summerland Waterfront Resort & Spa has closed until further notice because of the Bald Range wildfire, the resort says. It said power has been restored and the hotel remains standing, but the closure will continue.

The wildfire was reported Aug. 7 about 15 kilometres west of Summerland. Evacuation measures include 11 orders and seven alerts affecting thousands of residents, according to the report. The resort said all team members have been accounted for, although some have lost their homes.

The BC Wildfire Service warned of a high potential for lightning-caused starts in the central Interior and Okanagan because of dry lightning and limited precipitation. Elevated temperatures and wind gusts may also increase fire behaviour.

The service urged residents to register for local emergency notifications, prepare an evacuation plan and follow information from trusted sources including BCWS, DriveBC and EmergencyInfoBC.