WEST KELOWNA, B.C. – Residents in West Kelowna can breathe easier now that the evacuation alert they’ve been living under for weeks has been lifted.
But about a thousand people in nearby Fintry who have been out of their homes since last Thursday have been told they probably won’t be allowed back until Friday.
That’s because the Terrace Mountain fire remains active even though weekend rain and cooler temperatures have helped ensure the blaze hasn’t spread beyond the 45 square kilometres it’s been estimated to cover.
The fires near West Kelowna had forced about 11,000 people to flee their homes July 18 while another 6,500 people were put on evacuation alert.
Everyone was allowed back into their homes by last Thursday, but they were warned they may have to evacuate again with little notice.
Today, fire officials say they’re confident the risk to public safety is low.
