Most evacuation orders near Osoyoos have been downgraded

Hundreds of residents in and around Osoyoos are allowed to return home again after they were ordered to leave on Saturday night due to the Eagle Bluff wildfire. 

During an update through the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen today, July 31, communications supervisor Erick Thompson said that of the 732 properties initially placed under evacuation order, all but 192 have been downgraded to alerts. All of which are located in Areas A, B and parts of the town.

The number of properties under evacuation alert have grown to 2,635, up from 2,094 yesterday.

Shaelee Stearns, information officer with BC Wildfire, said the fire is estimated to have burned 1,450 hectares on the Canadian side. Yesterday’s growth occurred mostly along the western flank, but crews have been focusing on the eastern flank because it’s closer to town.

Stearns said 50 personnel have been assigned to the fire today, a total of 61 including the night crew. There are six helicopters, structure protection, heavy equipment and an incident management team on scene as well.

Osoyoos mayor Sue McKortoff said the town remains open for business.

“I don’t think it’s inconvenienced any of the visitors,” she said.

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