Evacuation order eases slightly in Princeton wildfire

PENTICTON – The Regional District has some good news for some Princeton area residents affected by the ongoing wildfire north of the community.

The mandatory evacuation order fro 47 properties along the Princeton-Summerland Road was lifted at noon today, July 18, according to a Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen media release.

Information officer Cameron Baughen says the Princeton-Summerland Road has also reopened to traffic as of noon today, although a portion of Highway 5A north of Princeton remains closed.

A public information meeting is scheduled for 4 p.m. today, July 18, at the Riverside Community Centre at 148 Old Hedley Rd. in Princeton, with a second meeting scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Erris Volunteer Fire Hall at 2254 Princeton-Summerland Rd.

B.C. Wildfire information officer Brent Zbaraschuk says as of last night, July 17, the Princeton fire was 60 per cent contained and holding steady at 3,300 hectares.

He says 180 personnel and 11 helicopters continue to work on the fire.

Zbaraschuk says the weather is working in the firefighter’s favour right now, with a possibility of showers tonight and a mid-week forecast calling for temperatures drop to the mid-20s along with a 40 per cent possibility of showers.

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