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North flank of Keremeos Creek fire Aug. 16. (Photo credit: BC Wildfire Service)
By Pete McIntyre
Keremeos Creek

Evacuation orders lifted for Okanagan wildfire

Aug 16, 2022 | 4:05 PM

Residents of Apex Mountain Village are allowed to return home as crews continue to make progress on the Keremeos Creek wildfire southwest of Penticton.

Hundreds of properties were removed from the evacuation order today, and are now on alert. The residents had been away from their homes since Aug. 1.

There are about 25 properties still evacuated on Green Mountain Road, Sheep Creek Road and along Highway 3A.

About 647 properties are now on evacuation alert.

The fire is estimated at 6,950 hectares.

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The B.C. Wildfire Service reported increased fire behaviour in the northwest and southwest corners of the fire today with higher temperatures and lower humidity today, but said crews continue to make good progress on containment lines.

“A thermal aerial scan was completed last night, Aug. 15, and will continue tonight, to identify hot spots around the fire perimeter from McKay Creek to Olalla. Once completed, crews will seek and eliminate remaining hot spots,” an update reported.

by Pete McIntyre
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