Highway 97 near Penticton has been reopened following an earlier wildfire burning on the slopes above it.
The fire originally resulted in the highway’s closure, though it was later opened to single-lane, alternating traffic.
In an email to Global News, the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen said the fire is classified as being held, as per the Penticton Fire Department and BC Wildfire Service.
Further, the RDOS told Global News that homeowners under an earlier tactical evacuation were being allowed to their residences.
The RDOS said owners were being allowed to return, but some on a walk-in basis because of equipment in the area.
“A tactical evacuation has been lifted in the Sage Mesa area northwest of Penticton, but road restrictions remain in effect for properties on Sage Mesa Drive that are north of Ladera Place,” said the RDOS.
“Residents in these effected properties on Sage Mesa Dr can return to their homes, but must walk in at this time. Vehicles will temporarily not be allowed to access these properties.”
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BC Wildfire estimated the fire’s size to be around one hectare.
Earlier in the morning, the RDOS issued the tactical evacuation due to immediate danger.
The tactical evacuation affected properties on Ladera Place, Pine Hills Drive, Sage Mesa Drive, Solana Crescent and Verano Place.
In issuing the tactical evacuation, the RDOS asked all evacuees to register at an emergency support services (ESS) centre at 199 Ellis Street in Penticton.
The RDOS also said residents can access ESS resources online as well, and that if they have pets or livestock that need to be cared for and billeted, to contact Animal Lifeline Emergency Response Team (ALERT) at 250-809-7152.
Wildfire smoke can be seen rising above Highway 97 north of Penticton on Thursday morning. The highway was temporarily closed, but has been partially reopened.
In related news, Penticton RCMP said they assisted the Penticton Fire Department, and that it conducted traffic control.
Penticton RCMP also warned boaters on Okanagan Lake “to stay clear of BC Wildfire Services aircraft that require access to the lake to carry out fire suppression efforts. Interfering with fire crews can have an impact on everyone’s safety and could impede their efforts.”
Police said they deployed a police vessel onto the lake to assist BC Wildfire.
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