Local Community Advertising
Update 10:45 a.m.: Highway 33 has now fully reopened in both directions. Drivers need to watch out for crews close to the highway and observe the 60 km/h speed limit that's in effect.
The Emergency Operation Centre says that there's no change in either the Evacuation Order or Evacuation Alert. The fire is still active and fought on the ground with local firefighters from Joe Rich Fire and Rescue as well as about 40 BC Wildfire Service personnel.
Some people did return to their homes on Saturday night and more are expected to on Sunday. Beware that if you're returning from evacuation, you might find various hazards on private properties as a result of the forest fire. The public is asked to stay out of fire-affected areas for their own safety and to obey warning and hazards signs.
The area under Evacuation Order remains closed to everyone for this reason, and RCMP is restricting access and providing security patrols.
Original Story:
Firefighters had good conditions on Saturday night to keep the Huckleberry Fire outside Kelowna 100 per cent contained.
View from a helicopter on Saturday of the Huckleberry Fire. (Photo Credit: BC Wildfire Service)
Fire crews monitoring the 55-hectare Joe Rich Fire experienced calm winds and cooler temperatures. About 20 BC Wildfire Service firefighters and structural firefighters from the Joe Rich, Ellison, and Big White departments did patrols throughout the fire zone. Thankfully, no problems were reported and the fire remains 100 per cent contained.
RCMP are still restricting access within the area under Evacuation Order. Officers did security patrols through the area and reported no issues of concern.
The area under Evacuation Order is in red, while the area in gold is under Evacuation Alert. (Photo Credit: CORD Emergency)
The Evacuation Order remains in effect for 28 properties along Highway 33 and Huckleberry Road. The other 114 properties that were on Evacuation Order until Saturday night are now on Evacuation Alert, as are the properties previously on Evacuation Alert. Highway 33 is still open to single-lane alternating traffic.
Firefighters said on Saturday that no structures had been lost in the wildfire, though crews were working closely amongst homes on Huckleberry Road and Highway 33.
Smoky area on Saturday from the fire in Joe Rich. (Photo Credit: BC Wildfire Service)
Local Community Advertising