A wildfire that erupted near Summerland, a community of about 12,000 in British Columbia’s Okanagan region, has forced more than 20,000 people from their homes. The Bald Range wildfire has grown to about 184 square kilometers after destroying homes and killing an 80-year-old woman.

Response Efforts

British Columbia’s Premier David Eby said the blaze outpaced wildfire modeling and left some residents with little time to evacuate. Crews were clearing vegetation to help slow the fire’s spread as officials warned that thunderstorms could bring erratic winds and increase fire activity.

Highway 97, a major route through the area, remained closed. Eby visited an evacuation reception center in Penticton, where he said he met people devastated by the loss of their homes. A lot of emotions in there, obviously, he told reporters, calling the woman’s death a tragic loss.

Summerland pharmacist Jonathan Kiesman said he was worried about displaced patients getting their medications and said seeing the fire approach the community almost brought tears to my eyes. Officials said they were withholding broader details on property losses until residents could be notified directly.

Long-term Concerns

Eby said the province would review the response, including whether changes are needed to wildfire planning, building standards and vegetation management near communities. Given the drought and summer heat, he warned, this is very unlikely to be the last significant fire we see this summer.

Summerland Mayor Doug Holmes warned that recovery would be long and difficult. Canada has endured a series of severe wildfire seasons in recent years, with smoke repeatedly drifting into the United States.

Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.