In the latest updates, the District of Summerland in British Columbia has partially lifted evacuation orders, now placing an area east of Highway 97 and the Trout Creek neighborhood under an evacuation alert. Highway 97 in Summerland has fully reopened for all traffic.

Evacuation orders are gradually being lifted around the province’s most critical fire areas, including Clinton and Summerland. The B.C. Wildfire Service anticipates smoke to persist over the southern half of the province until Sunday. Unstable weather conditions could trigger more lightning-induced fires in British Columbia.

Highway 97 near Cache Creek has reopened in a limited capacity following extended closure due to the Pear Lake wildfire. Summerland residents are gradually being allowed to return home; however, they must remain prepared for immediate evacuation.

Summerland Mayor Doug Holmes announced the downgrading of evacuation orders, enabling approximately 800 more properties to be re-entered, bringing the total under evacuation alert to around 1,200 properties. Out of the 5,500 properties initially under evacuation orders, damage assessments have been completed, but the exact number of properties affected by the fire remains unknown.

Officials stress that the reopening of Highway 97 is subject to fire behavior and the changing demands of the B.C. Wildfire Service crew. The BCWS warns of an ongoing unstable weather pattern that could lead to heightened fire risks in the southern region.

The wildfire service is closely monitoring lightning activity, particularly in south-central B.C., where the fire hazard is at its peak. Crews from New Brunswick and Quebec have been mobilized to assist in combating the over 120 fires across British Columbia, many of which were ignited by lightning strikes.

In Clinton, hundreds of evacuees have returned home, although some areas still face evacuation orders due to the Pear Lake Wildfire. The Pear Lake fire remains the largest in B.C. this year, covering 1,593 square kilometers as of the latest data. Highways in the affected regions have gradually reopened but remain active wildfire zones.

The Bald Range wildfire near Summerland spans over 210 square kilometers and continues to be uncontained. Authorities express optimism that more residents will be able to return home soon. Highway 1 north of Hope remains closed due to wildfires, including the Brunswick Creek wildfire complex around Boston Bar, covering an area exceeding 700 square kilometers.