WEST KELOWNA, B.C. – Further successful work on the Smith Creek wildfire in West Kelowna has allowed the last evacuee to return home, but approximately 1,100 residents in the area remain on Evacuation Alert.
The property on Dixie Road was moved to the Alert list, but the road remains closed to all but local traffic.
There are seven uninhabited properties immediately above Smith Creek, Tallus Ridge and Shannon Woods that remain on Evacuation Order.
The Local State of Emergency remains in place because the Smith Creek wildfire remains active, according to the latest release from Central Okanagan Emergency Operations.
The fire is estimated at 280 hectares and is still only 60 per cent contained.
Erosion and debris flow over the area burned by the fire is possible with today’s forecast heavy rain. Following a wildfire, the ground becomes hydrophobic: the sooty and charred dirt repels water.
Following the 2003 Okanagan Mountain Park Fire, storm water flooded culverts and properties.
Currently 70 fire fighters and 33 support personnel are working the fire with five helicopters, two water tenders, two dozers and two skidders.
The latest information and updated maps of the Evacuation Order and Evacuation Alert areas are available at www.cordemergency.ca. The public information line is 250-469-8490.
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