Some evacuation orders downgraded in Central Okanagan

More people displaced by the McDougall Creek wildfire were able to return to their homes Friday.

Central Okanagan Emergency Operations downgraded Evacuation Orders to Alerts for seven properties directly adjacent to the west and northwest side of Westside Road at 4:20 p.m. Sept. 15.

The properties are between 605 and 531 Westside Rd. and also include 539, 550, 575 and 605 Westside Rd. S.

People returning to their properties are reminded that they are still under an Evacuation Alert and are reminded to be prepared at a moment’s notice if conditions change and Evacuation orders are issued again.

Residents returning to their properties are reminded to be cautious of hazards, including danger trees and ash pits. The Red Cross has donated home clean-up kits for returning residents, those and other resources can be picked up at the Resilience Centre located at 403-3031 Louie Dr.

As of Friday afternoon there were 77 properties still under Evacuation Orders and another 4,882 on Alert.

Central Okanagan Emergency Operations said the Orders are not expected to change over the weekend.

Motorists travelling on Westside Rd. are urged to be cautious with people returning to their homes, and to also be aware of wildfire crews, vehicles and heavy equipment on the roads.

The McDougall Creek wildfire was still classified as Out of Control Friday and was being actioned by 168 firefighters and six helicopters. The B.C. Fire Service also had 39 operational field staff and 29 pieces of equipment on site.

The fire has burned an estimated 13,970.4 hectares, and there has been no confirmed growth in the past 24 hours.

The B.C.. Wildfire is planning controlled ignition of a 10 hectare area in the coming week in the Hidden Creek area, weather permitting.

The B.C. Wildfire Service’s Area Restriction order will remain in place until 12 p.m. October 3, or until the Order is rescinded.

Bear Creek Provincial Park remains closed to the public.

The area is still classified as a “no-drone zone” as B.C. Wildfire Service continues to use the airspace to tackle the fire using helicopters. Anyone interfering with the wildfire control effort, including by flying a drone in the restricted area, could face penalties up to $100,000 and/or up to a year in jail.