More Summerland residents return as Bald Range wildfire continues to burn

More residents are heading back to their homes in Summerland as officials continue to manage the Bald Range wildfire, which remains out of control.

Damage assessments have now been completed in the community, clearing about 1,200 properties for residents to return. Other properties remain under evacuation alert, with about 22 per cent of the 5,500 properties that had been subject to evacuation orders still not fully cleared.

The Bald Range wildfire began Aug. 7 and had reached more than 210 square kilometres by Sunday. Although conditions have improved enough to allow some residents to return, fire officials continue to monitor the blaze closely as weather and wind patterns can change quickly.

The return process is expected to continue as assessments are completed and officials determine which areas are safe to reoccupy. Residents affected by the fire are also expected to receive more information about property impacts and available support now that the assessment work is finished.

The latest developments come as B.C. enters another period of hot and dry weather. Smoke is expected to remain an issue in central and southern parts of the province, while relatively light winds are forecast at the start of the week.

More than 120 wildfires were active across B.C. Sunday evening, adding to the pressure on firefighting crews as conditions become more favourable for fire growth.