UPDATE WEDS PM:
Residents forced from their homes as a result of the Kaleden wildfire can now go home.
The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen said the evacuation order has been rescinded.
Eighteen homes were put on evacuation order at the height of the fire which started Tuesday afternoon.
At least one home and another structure were destroyed in the fire.
The cause is still under investigation, but officials said it was human caused because there were no lightning strikes in the area.
The Regional District said that although the evacuation order has been rescinded, an evacuation alert remains in place for more than 180 properties.
It said more than 230 residents displaced by the fire have registered with Emergency Social Services.
“Due to hot spots remaining in the area, 186 properties are still placed under advisory Evacuation Alert. The advisory Evacuation Alert comprises the entire southern half of Kaleden. Residents and guests in the advisory Evacuation Alert area should remain at their properties but should be prepared to evacuate as required. Residents in the advisory Alert area are asked to limit the amount of vehicles they use to reduce congestion in the area,” the Regional District said in a news release.
Interview with acting fire chief Denis Gaudry on events that lead to the fire and how it was handled.
UPDATE WEDS A.M.
The Kaleden wildfire is holding at 6.5 hectares.
According to the Forest Ministry’s webpage updated Wednesday morning, firefighters have boxed in a 50 foot perimeter and are conducting the first round of mop up.
Seven fire fighters are working on the fire, but no helicopters or airtankers.
At least two structures have been destroyed in the blaze.
The Forest Ministry says 18 homes are under evacuation order and 165 homes are on evacuation alert
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
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It was a sleepless night for the town of Kaleden, just outside of Penticton, after an out-of-control wildfire destroyed at least two homes and forced evacuation orders of 18 others.
The Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen (RDOS) said the 18 homes are near Tamarac Avenue and Oak Avenue. Another 165 homes in the area are on evacuation alert.
The list of evacuation addresses:
278 Ponderosa Avenue 132 Maple Avenue
319 Ponderosa Avenue 133 Maple Avenue
302 Ponderosa Avenue 200 Maple Avenue
309 Oak Avenue 202 Maple Avenue
331 Oak Avenue 197 Tamarac Avenue
345 Oak Avenue 213 Tamarac Avenue
349 Oak Avenue 575 Linden Avenue
361 Oak Avenue 585 Linden Avenue
387 Oak Avenue
433 Oak Avenue
For an update on evacuation alerts and order, check out the RDOS website here.
Crews appear to have gotten the upper hand on the blaze by Wednesday morning. They are now monitoring hot spots and running water pumps to keep the fire at bay. The fire is currently listed as “being held”, meaning unless conditions change drastically crews do not anticipate this fire to grow.
Acting fire chief Denis Gaudry says this fire grew to about 6.5 hectares in size and was first called in around 4 p.m. Tuesday as two trees on fire.
By the time volunteer crews made it to the hall, numerous calls to 9-1-1 reported the fire had overtaken numerous trees.
The cause is under investigation.
FortisBC has cut power to 170 homes in Kaleden to help fire crews do their work safely.
About 35 firefighers with the B.C. wildfire service and the Kaleden Fire Department are fighting the blaze.
Air tankers and helicopters were on scene fighting the flames overhead during daylight hours.
Emergency Social Service (ESS) has set up a Reception Centre at the Penticton Community Centre at 325 Power Street. All evacuees are asked to register in person or call 250-809-6561 to register. ESS can help people evacuated.
Gaudry said one firefighter was injured earlier in the day fighting the blaze, but is now back on the fire line.
Gaudry said Kaleden had never experienced an evacuation of this sort in recent history.
Crews will reassess the situation at noon to determine if any evacuation orders can be lifted.
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