Monte Lake Fire Fully Contained

There is good news on the wildfire burning near Monte Lake west of Vernon.

The BC Wildfire Service says the Martin Mountain fire is now 100 percent contained.

“One hundred percent contained means they’ve essentially established guards all around the fire, and that it’s being held,” says fire information officer Max Birkner.

Birkner says the fire — which started last Wednesday — remains at 150 hectares.

Seventy-five fire fighters are on the scene.

“The low amount of strong winds in the area have helped a lot,” says Birkner.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and is believed to be human caused.

One home was destroyed by the fire.

Debbie Sell from the EOC of the Thompson Okanagan Regional District says evacuation orders were lifted Sunday night, and about 50 homes remain on evacuation alert.

“As soon as it doesn’t post any risk at all, then they will take everything to All Clear,” says Sell.