Calm winds and cooler temperatures overnight provided good conditions for fire crews monitoring the 55-hectare Joe Rich interface fire, east of Kelowna.
Approximately 20 BC Wildfire Service fire fighters and structural fire fighters from the Joe Rich Fire/Rescue, Ellison and Big White departments conducted patrols throughout the fire zone, which has 100 per cent containment.
No problems were reported. RCMP members continue to restrict access within the fire area that remains under Evacuation Order.
They continue to provide security patrols through the area and report no issues of concern.
An Evacuation Order remains in effect for 28 properties along Highway 33 and Huckleberry Road. A detailed map with the latest Evacuation Order and Alert areas showing affected roads and addresses can be viewed online at www.cordemergency.ca.
At 8 pm. on Saturday, residents of 114 properties were allowed to return to their homes after the Evacuation Order was partially rescinded.
Residents of those properties previously on Evacuation Order and all properties currently on Evacuation Alert are reminded they remain on Evacuation Alert and should be prepared to leave their homes on short notice, if conditions change and the Evacuation Order has to be reinstated or expanded.
Returning residents are reminded that they may encounter various hazards on private properties as a result of the forest fire. The public is also requested to stay out of fire-affected areas for their own safety and to obey all warning and hazards signs.
The Evacuation Order area remains closed to everyone. Highway 33 was re-opened to two lane traffic as of this morning.
Unified Command in conjunction with support from officials from the Emergency Operation Centre are continually assessing the latest information and conditions and when it is safe for residents, will make adjustments to any outstanding Evacuation Orders and Alerts.
