Peachland residents to return home Friday, 1 week after Bald Range fire started

Residents of Peachland and the surrounding area will be going home on Friday, almost exactly one week after the Bald Range wildfire forced them to flee.

Central Okanagan Emergency Management (COEM) said that as of 6 p.m. on Aug. 14, evacuation orders for all properties in Peachland and Electoral Area West will be downgraded to evacuation alerts.

The Bald Range wildfire remains active and is mapped at almost 20,000 hectares.

Residents remaining on evacuation alert should be prepared to leave immediately if conditions change, COEM said. Smoke and fire suppression activities will continue to be visible.

To avoid traffic congestion, residents are asked not to line up earlier than 6 p.m. Traffic control personnel will be on site at various locations in Peachland and Highway 97.

Meanwhile, the District of Summerland says evacuation orders for about 400 Trout Creek properties east of Highway 97 have been rescinded

COEM said neighbourhoods may show visible signs of wildfire impacts, including ash, soot, smoke residue and debris.