Some relief for residents as evacuation order reduced for wildfire burning near Osoyoos, B.C.
CBC
Hundreds of people are being allowed to return to their homes in Osoyoos in southern British Columbia after winds pushed back a wildfire that threatened the town over the weekend.
The town endured a terrifying night on Saturday after the Eagle Bluff fire crossed the border with the United States and surged over hills overlooking Osoyoos.
However, Environment Canada is forecasting winds of up to 20 kilometres an hour blowing northwest throughout the day — the right direction to push the flames away from town.
The sky over Osoyoos was visibly clearer Monday morning, closer to its usual shade of blue after it was an eerie shade of smoky orange on Sunday.
Erick Thompson of the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen said Monday afternoon during a scheduled briefing for media and members of the public that there are 192 properties now on evacuation order, down from 732.
But over 2,600 homes are under evacuation alert, and their residents must be ready to leave at short notice.
Thompson stressed the need for people to "remain vigilant and be prepared" as crews continue to focus resources on the eastern flank of the fire, where it is closest to the town.
The fire is currently 14.5 square kilometres on the Canadian side of the border, which is an increase from Sunday when it was reported to be roughly nine square kilometres in size. Winds will likely be a major factor in the battle, but the latest forecast offers some hope.
Winds have been a key factor in the battle to save Osoyoos, with Environment Canada calling for northwest winds through Monday before gusts of 20 kilometres per hour were forecast to ease late in the day.
BCWS Information Officer Shaelee Stearns said crews are keeping a close eye on the situation throughout the day and that 50 firefighters, as well as air support, are working to keep the blaze at bay.
Stearns said Monday that seeing a portion of the evacuation lifted can be considered "good progress."
Osoyoos has a population of about 5,000, but that is swollen in summer by visitors who come to enjoy the town's lake and surroundings.
On Monday, Thompson reminded people with boats to stay off the water to give the aircraft room to work.
"If you can, stay off Osoyoos Lake," he said.
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