Bald Range wildfire grows as crews battle heat, wind and rugged terrain
B.C.W.S. crews continue putting out hot spots at the Bald Range wildfire in Summerland (Image Credit: B.C.W.S.)
Hot, dry weather and strong winds are making it more difficult for crews battling the Bald Range wildfire near Summerland.
The B.C. Wildfire Service says fire activity has increased as winds of up to 30 kilometres an hour are expected to keep the blaze active, with stubborn fire behaviour reported in the southern and western portions of the fire.
Crews are using air tankers and small-scale controlled burns in an effort to slow the fire and strengthen containment lines.
The wildfire has grown to about 227 square kilometres since it was discovered nearly two weeks ago.
Most evacuation orders in the Summerland area have been downgraded to alerts, but regional officials say about 150 structures have been damaged or destroyed by the fire.
The Bald Range wildfire is one of four wildfires of note currently burning near communities in British Columbia.
The province has about 120 active wildfires, including 40 classified as out of control.
