Bald Range wildfire holding near Summerland as thousands remain evacuated

The Bald Range wildfire has shown little growth since Saturday despite exploding to more than 100 square kilometres, but thousands remain displaced across the Okanagan region.

About 10,000 homes are under evacuation orders in Summerland, Peachland, the regional districts of Okanagan-Similkameen and Central Okanagan, and Penticton Indian Band lands. Another 3,300 or so homes are under evacuation alerts stretching south past Penticton. The fire's geography — much of it has reached Okanagan Lake — and BC Wildfire Service containment efforts have slowed its advance.

District of Summerland Chief Administrative Officer Graham Statt confirmed Sunday morning that downtown Summerland remains intact despite unverified social media reports claiming it was destroyed. "There's no visible damage that I can see," Statt said. "Downtown Summerland hasn't been destroyed." He added that hot spots and active fires are still being dealt with in the area.

The fire roared down a mountain late Friday, forcing residents to flee with photos and documents. A Facebook post from the Interior Wildlife Rehabilitation Society said flames swept through their facility so fast they escaped with only their own pets and animals in their care, watching on security cameras as the compound burned before power went out.

RCMP are working to confirm a report that one person died in the fire west of Summerland. The B.C. government has declared a provincial state of emergency, saying there has been "significant structure loss." Over 100 firefighters and structure protection personnel are deployed to combat the blaze, supported by helicopters, skimmers and heavy equipment.

The District of Summerland will conduct a "staged re-entry" for residents once safe to return. A public meeting is being planned for Monday, August 10, to answer residents' questions. The fire's cause remains under investigation.