‘Is it still there? We had no clue.’ Summerland resident describes 4-day evacuation due to Mount Eneas wildfire

For four days, Summerland resident Amanda Hazelton had no idea if her home was still standing, as the Mount Eneas wildfire raged out of control between Summerland and Peachland.

Hazelton’s property, which includes a small 20-acre vineyard and guest house, was one of 30 properties placed under an evacuation order by the District of Summerland on July 19.

“Residents must leave the area immediately due to the immediate danger from the threat of wildfire,” said the order issued for all properties along Garnet Valley Road north of, and including Wildhorse Road.

“It was coming down our valley a little bit at the order time, so we knew it was getting freaky. The last picture I took as we left was of smoke getting closer,” Hazelton said.

Amanda and her husband packed up their vehicles and animals and waited anxiously from a family member’s home as the interface fire ripped down the hill.

“We were just like, ‘Is it still there, did anything go?’ We had no clue,” she said.

After an excruciating four days of being displaced, the evacuation order was lifted on July 23.

“The house is a little dirty and dusty from water spilling everywhere, but they’re there,” she said.

The pair arrived home to find members of the Swan Lake fire department from Vernon, B.C., with sprinklers and hose lines dangling from the roof of their buildings.

The Okanagan firefighters were dispatched to protect homes. They are known as structural protection units.

“They had saved, basically protected our whole property,” Hazelton said.

Garnet Valley Road is dotted with “thank you firefighter” signs as the community shows its gratitude.

“All the neighbours, everybody is so thankful, the whole community is thankful for everything they are doing,” Hazelton said.

While all evacuation orders have been lifted, the fire fight is far from over.

Soaring temperatures and high winds could intensify the situation this week.

Ninety-seven firefighters are strengthening containment lines, burning excess fuel and building hose line, according to the B.C. Wildfire Service.

The Hazeltons are still under an evacuation alert. They’re not letting their guards down yet.

“My vehicle is still loaded, my husband’s truck and trailer is still loaded as well.”