B.C. fires: evacuation alerts lifted in West Kelowna, Bolean Lake
Fire crews continue to work on extinguishing blazes that had forced residents out of 70 homes
Residents in B.C.'s Okanagan region forced to flee from their homes due to encroaching wildfires have been given the all-clear to return, though must be prepared to move out quickly if necessary.
Evacuation orders for both West Kelowna and Bolean Lake Lodge near Falkland were downgraded to evacuation alerts Friday, though firefighters will continue to work on containing the blazes.
At Westside Road in West Kelowna, the fire that drove residents from 70 homes Monday night, is now 25 per cent contained.
"The area remains on alert and those residents should remain on short notice in case we have to upgrade to an order again," Bruce Smith, with the Central Okanagan Regional District, told CBC News.
"But we are hoping that is not the case given the progress BC Wildfire service has made on the fire."
Westside Road will remain closed between Cinnabar Cree and the La Casa Resort, although residents will be allowed to enter the area.
Officials are asking other members of the public to stay away as fire crews are still working in the area.
Residents have been told to be prepared to leave again on short notice if there is a change in fire activity.
BC Hydro said they will restore power via generators, but that around 100 affected customers in the fire zone will remain without power until repairs can be made to damaged equipment.
'An exceptional job'
At Bolean Lake, the fire is now 50 per cent contained, officials confirmed.
The owners of the Bolean lake Lodge ar now able to return to their property, but remain on an evacuation alert, along with 24 properties on Chase-Falkland Road.
"The Wildfire Management Branch has done an exceptional job on the fire," Ryan Nitchie from the local regional district of Bolean Lake told CBC News.
"Crews have been working really hard protecting structures, particularly on the south flank. And I think it should be somewhat of a relief to residents that they are getting the upper hand."
With files from Brady Strachan