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Evacuation order lifted, residents return home after B.C. jet fuel spill

WINLAW, B.C. – An evacuation order has been lifted for residents near the site of a jet fuel spill in British Columbia’s West Kootenay region.

As many as 2,500 residents of the Slocan Valley were affected by the evacuation order after a tanker truck spilled 35,000 litres of jet fuel into Lemon Creek on Friday.

It contaminated local water courses and sent toxic fumes into the air.

The evacuation was scaled back and finally lifted this afternoon.

The Regional District of Central Kootenay says air, water and soil samples showed it was safe for residents to return and for Highway 6 near the spill to reopen.

A 24-hour order against using the water remains in effect in the area about 60 kilometres from Castlegar, B.C.

The truck had been on its way to supply helicopters battling wildfires when it rolled into the creek, causing minor injuries to the driver.

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Howard Alexander

Assistant Editor Howard Alexander comes to iNFOnews.ca from the broadcasting side of the media business.

Howard has been a reporter, news anchor, talk show host and news director, first in Saskatchewan and then the Okanagan.

He moved his family to Vernon in the 90s and is proud to call the Okanagan home.

If you have an event to share contact Howard at 250-309-5343or email halexander@infonews.ca.

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