After enduring more than a week away from their homes, residents of Summerland are gradually being allowed to return as parts of the community reopen following the devastating Bald Range wildfire. The relief of coming home is tempered by the daunting task of cleaning up the aftermath of the fire, which has left a significant impact on the area.
The Bald Range wildfire, which forced the entire town of Summerland to evacuate, has burned across more than 21,000 hectares. As of now, re-entry is permitted in Trout Creek and areas of Summerland east of Highway 97 affecting approximately 1,200 properties.
Cleanup Efforts Begin Amidst Smoke and Ash
For residents like Scott and Linda Goodwin returning home has been a mix of relief and stress. Their property sustained no major structural damage, but the pervasive smell of smoke and layers of ash have made the cleanup process a priority. Scott described the scene upon his return: “It smells like smoke. There was ash all through here.”
Despite the challenges, Linda expressed gratitude for having a home to return to. “We were just so glad to be home because home is where your heart is” she said. The couple spent over a week in Penticton, waiting for the evacuation orders to be lifted.
The cleanup process has been arduous. Scott got down on his knees with a shop vacuum to clear the ash from inside his home, highlighting the extensive effort required to restore their living space to a habitable condition.
Frustrations with Evacuation Process
While the Goodwins are happy to be back, Linda shared her frustrations with the evacuation process. She questioned the lengthy lineups evacuees had to endure while trying to verify necessary documentation and receive assistance. “Why should you have to endure 20 hours of lineups to actually verify what you need?” she asked, adding that she believed there were not enough government workers to handle the volume of evacuees.
Linda plans to write to the provincial government with suggestions for improving the evacuation process in the future. She praised the volunteers at the evacuation center for their tireless work and compassion but believes there is room for improvement in the
The Road to Recovery
Most of Summerland remains under evacuation orders, and the general public is still not allowed to enter. For those who have been permitted to return, the immediate priority is getting settled back into their homes. The Bald Range fire continues to burn, posing an ongoing threat to the region.
The experience has been a stark reminder of the challenges faced by communities in the path of wildfires. As residents like the Goodwins work to restore their homes, they also reflect on the need for better preparedness and support systems for future evacuations.
The road to recovery will be long, but the resilience of the Summerland community is evident in their determination to rebuild and move forward.
