Canada wildfire threatens Okanagan wine region

A fast-spreading wildfire in British Columbia has forced winemakers in the Okanagan region to leave vineyards and wineries, with some still unsure whether grapes and stored wine were damaged.

John Glavina, owner of Giant Head Estate Winery in Summerland, told AFP he received an evacuation order hours after the Bald Range fire began on August 7. He said he left behind 20 barrels of red wine, three tanks of white wine and 14 tonnes of grapes, and could lose CAD$45,000 (US$32,000) in crop value.

Officials have said the fire forced about 20,000 people from their homes and killed an 80-year-old woman. The blaze remains active, and British Columbia officials have not confirmed when Summerland residents can return.

The fire has affected the Okanagan, a noted wine-producing area around Okanagan Lake. Emma Roberts, owner of Howling Bluff Winery in Penticton, said her winery was not under an evacuation order and was hosting evacuees from Summerland, but visitor numbers had fallen during a busy time of year. Haywire Winery announced an immediate closure online.

Wine Growers British Columbia said last week it could not speculate on the industry impact while emergency crews were still fighting the fire.