Evacuation orders lifted for more properties near Keremeos wildfire

The Regional District of Okanagan Similakmeen Emergency Operations Centre (RDOS EOC) has lifted more evacuation orders for properties in Olalla.

The RDOS EOC said the orders for the community of Olalla in Electoral Area G were reduced to an evacuation alert at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 11.

Highway 3A remains closed to all but local traffic and first responders, and checkpoints are in place to ensure only residents and property owners access the Olalla area.

As of Thursday morning, there remains 273 properties in Electoral Area I under evacuation orders, while the village of Apex and a portion of Green Mountain Road remain under evacuation orders.

There were 399 properties in Electoral Areas G and I under evacuation alerts.

RDOS EOC Evacuation Orders and Alerts map. (image courtesy of the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen)

Evacuation alerts have been rescinded for the Village of Keremeos and rural Keremeos in Electoral Area G.

Firefighters continue to work along Highway 3A, monitoring spot fires and protecting homes.

The RDOS EOC stated that smoke from the Keremeos Creek wildfire may reduce visibility and advised residents to slow down and drive carefully, while also watching for crews and equipment.

The B.C. Wildfire Service said that, as of 8:48 a.m. today, the Keremeos Creek wildfire was an estimated 6,712 hectares in size.

The Wildfire Service noted that conditions were favourable overnight for fire suppression, hotspotting and mop-up.

However, Thursday’s weather forecast does call for thunderstorms, which may bring gusting winds and lighting strikes that could increase fire behaviour and lead to further spreading.

Crews are working to solidify control lines and reduce the impacts the fire has on the public.