The Thompson-Nicola Regional District says people who live in 166 properties north of Logan Lake that were evacuated because of the Durand Lake wildfire can return home.
The regional district has downgraded the evacuation order to an alert after the BC Wildfire Service said yesterday its crews were able to build a fire guard around the entire fire perimeter.
Properties at Tunkwa Lake and Leighton Lake as well as places further east, including Paska Lake, were impacted by the evacuation orders. A small area around Durand Lake still remains under an evacuation order, according to a map put out by the TNRD.
Residents who return home are being told to stay on alert in case they have to leave their properties again.
“Residents will be given as much advance notice as possible prior to evacuation; however you may receive limited notice due to changing conditions,” a TNRD statement said.
There are 53 firefighters on scene today along with three helicopters, and multiple pieces of heavy equipment that will continue to reinforce the guard around the fire.
“Crews are making good progress on the south and west flanks and have also been supporting the machine guard with a hose lay,” the BCWS said, in a statement.
Fire Information Officer Aydan Coray told NL News yesterday the hope is that the fire guard will prevent the 277 hectare fire from spreading further.
The fire is believed to have been caused by lightning.
For more information from the TNRD, go here.