Residents in the South Okanagan who were prepared to leave their homes in Penticton because of the Christie Mountain wildfire are breathing a sigh of relief today.
Its as an evacuation alert for 3,669 properties in the southeastern part of that city was lifted today because of cooler weather on Sunday which helped keep strong winds that threatened to push the fire north toward the city at bay.
“In consultation with BC Wildfire and our regional partners, it’s been determined the threat caused by the Christie Mountain wildfire has subsided,” said Donny van Dyk, Penticton’s emergency operation centre director and chief administrative officer.
Mayor John Vassilaki is relieved saying the situation could have been much worse, as he pointed to the Fort McMurray wildfire in 2016 as an example of a community that has suffered as wildfires intensified in both B.C. and Alberta in recent years.
He adds he is pleased with how community members and emergency crews responded to the fire.
Meanwhile, re-entry plans are being finalized by Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen after residents of 319 hillside properties were forced to flee their homes. One of those homes has been destroyed so far.
“The objective is to return people as soon as possible,” Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen Chair Karla Kozakevich said. “I can confirm it will not be today. We are hoping that in the next couple of days, we will be able to get people moving back into their homes. So definitely this week.”
Meanwhile, there are 116 homes in the Upper Carmi area with the RDOS that remain on evacuation alert.
There are 192 firefighters working on site today along with structure protection personnel and multiple other fire departments. Crews will be supported by 15 helicopters and four water tenders.
“Crews continue to work on access points and contingency lines on the north and east flanks with eight pieces of machinery in the heavy equipment group,” said the BC Wildfire Service.
“Crews continue to reinforce control lines at Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park and are looking for potential areas for small burn out opportunities. They continue to make great progress on the southwest flank of the fire building and strengthening control lines for values protection.”
(Photo via the BC Wildfire Service)
