Fire

British Columbia is banning recreational off-road vehicles on Crown land in parts of the province to reduce the risk of wildfires.

Penticton RCMP are asking for witnesses and video as investigators work to determine what started the Bald Range wildfire near Summerland.

"It's a constant worry about the fires and how fast they can turn, so you're always sort of sitting on edge worrying what's going to happen, but then when you see the devastation in Summerland and how fast that happened, it really drives it home how suddenly your life can be changed in a not good way." 

Summerland evacuee Shea MacDonald says uncertainty over what he and his neighbours will find when they return home has been one of the hardest parts of being forced out by the Bald Range wildfire.

The Bald Range wildfire grew to an estimated 15,590 hectares Monday morning, according to BC Wildfire Service, while evacuation orders issued by local authorities kept thousands of South Okanagan residents away from their homes.

Penticton’s mayor said officials are watching the wind direction as the out-of-control Bald Range wildfire prompts evacuation orders and alerts for nearby areas.

An 80-year-old woman died while evacuating the Bald Range wildfire near Summerland, RCMP said Sunday.

Wildfires and smoky skies in the Okanagan have been affecting flights at Kelowna International Airport.

Penticton was on edge Saturday night as evacuation alerts tied to the Bald Range wildfire reached the city boundary and officials urged residents to prepare grab-and-go kits, according to the City of Penticton.

The Bradley Creek wildfire near Vernon, B.C. is now classified as being held, according to the BC Wildfire Service, as evacuation restrictions ease in parts of the North Okanagan.