People forced from their homes by the Quilpituk Creek wildfire in Central Okanagan West are a step closer to returning home after the fire was classified as held.
Central Okanagan Emergency Operations said Thursday, Aug. 13, that BC Wildfire Service had changed the fire’s status to held.
The EOC said the classification means the wildfire is projected to stay within its current boundaries based on fuel and weather conditions and the resources available.
Emergency officials said a rapid damage assessment team is being deployed to assess readiness for re-entry and check for hazards.
The EOC said those assessments include danger trees, damaged hydro lines and other potential safety concerns.
Central Okanagan Emergency Operations said evacuation orders and alerts are in place while that work is carried out.
The EOC said residents will receive an update Friday morning on when they can return home and what conditions will apply to re-entry.
Officials have advised residents to prepare for smoke, ash and cleanup hazards and to check with their water utility about any boil-water notices or other service impacts.
The Quilpituk Creek wildfire forced evacuations in communities along Westside Road in Central Okanagan West.
Officials are asking residents not to enter evacuation-order areas until restrictions are lifted.
