The Columbia-Shuswap Regional District has downgraded an evacuation order for the Sorrento and Little River area to an evacuation alert.

It comes hours after the reopening of the Trans-Canada Highway between Chase and Sorrento. The CSRD says residents in those communities can go back home, if they choose to do so. It includes the following addresses:

• All Properties in the Unincorporated Area Known as Sorrento
• 403 to 445 Little River Road in CSRD Electoral Area G
• 229 Trans Canada Highway in CSRD Electoral Area F

Evacuation orders were issued for the Little River Road area last Friday, Aug. 18, as strong northerly winds pushed the Bush Creek East fire to the south. The Sorrento-area was put on order on Saturday, Aug. 19.

“BC Hydro has confirmed there is power established,” the CSRD said Friday. “Re-entry is through Highway 1. An Evacuation Order may need to be reissued; however, if that is deemed necessary, the Evacuation Order process will re-commence.”

The evacuation order for the Skimikin area, also issued Saturday, remains in effect at this time. As of publishing, all other evacuation orders and alerts issued due to the 410 sq. kilometre Bush Creek East fire remain in effect.

The Trans-Canada Highway was closed last Friday when the Bush Creek East fire rolled through the area and crossed over into Turtle Valley.

For the latest from the Columbia-Shuswap Regional District, go here.