Search and rescue volunteers from the Kootenays are heading to the South Okanagan to reinforce emergency crews responding to the Bald Range wildfire.
Six Rossland & District Search and Rescue (RADSAR) members are being deployed to the Penticton and Summerland area to support evacuation efforts as thousands of properties remain under evacuation orders and alerts.
The deployment comes as search and rescue teams, firefighters and other first responders are stretched across B.C.
The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen reported 416 properties under evacuation order and another 1,100 under evacuation alert.
In Summerland, an evacuation order covering the entire community affects 5,688 properties.
The Penticton Indian Band reported an estimated 38 properties under evacuation order and 1,082 properties under evacuation alert.
The B.C. Wildfire Service reported the Bald Range wildfire at 10,340 hectares.
Officials are asking residents and visitors to make responsible decisions about recreation and travel while emergency crews respond to wildfires across the province.
