Evacuation order, alerts in Similkameen rescinded

PENTICTON – The wildfire threat in the Similkameen is showing signs of easing with the rescinding of several evacuation alerts and one evacuation order.

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen rescinded an evacuation order for Cathedral Lakes Lodge this afternoon, Aug. 28, placing the lodge and the lodge’s base camp on Ewart Creek Road on an evacuation alert.

Evacuation alerts for properties in the Village of Keremeos, Electoral Area “G,” and Electoral Area “B,” as well as an alert issued for Chopaka Road were also rescinded this afternoon.

Three fires of note continue to burn in the Similkameen.

B.C. Wildfire is reporting the Snowy Mountain wildfire south of Keremeos to be held at over 16,000 hectares. There were no crews on the fire today, which is not expected to spread beyond its containment lines.

The Cool Creek wildfire, 20 kilometres east north-east of Eastgate, is reported at over 14,000-ha today and is classified as out of control. Firefighters continue to build control lines along the fire’s flanks.

The Old Tom Creek wildfire burning seven km west of Olalla is now about 1,000 ha. There are 125 firefighters and 14 pieces of equipment working the fire today, building containment lines and hand guards.

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