A wildfire near Coldstream caused the evacuation of residents July 9, 2021.
Image Credit: TWITTER/Reid Nespor
July 10, 2021 - 8:57 AM
A highly visible wildfire that caused the evacuation of North Okanagan residents last night is now classified as being held, which means firefighters don't expect it to grow.
The fire started last night along Highway 97, prompting an evacuation of residents along Clerke Road in Coldstream. The evacuation order has been rescinded but residents remain on evacuation alert, according to the District of Coldstream.
The Allan Brooks Nature Centre announced it is closed this morning due to the wildfire and has relocated the animals and artwork in the interpretive centre as a precautionary measure.
The wildfire is being fought with a unified command from five regional fire departments and the B.C. Wildfire Service.
B.C. Wildfire information officer Aydan Coray said the fire is being classified as being held this morning, July 10 and helicopters are on scene. Last night, the fire was fought with helicopters and 29 B.C Wildfire personnel.
The fire is roughly 20 hectares in size and the cause is unknown.
Residences on Kalamalka Lakeview Drive and Carriage Lane were also placed on evacuation alert by RCMP last night, with police going door-to-door to notify residents.
The alert continues this morning for:
• 202, 224, 238, (11-16) 245, 252, 265, 275, 280, 285, (1-7) 315 Kalamalka Lakeview Drive
• 310, 341, 365, 387, 399, 411, 415, 417, 421, 425, 433 Highridge Road
• 324 Highway 97 of Electoral area B, RDNO
Christy Poirier, communications manager with the City of Vernon, said no structures were lost in the blaze last night and no injuries were reported.
The Regional District of North Okanagan has closed the Greater Vernon Diversion and Disposal Facility at 120 Birnie Road for the day due to fire crew activity in the area. The wildfire did not reach the landfill.
Highway 97 was closed last night due to the wildfire but has reopened in the northbound lane this morning from Kalamalka Lakeview Drive to 23rd Avenue, according to Drive B.C. One lane of traffic is still closed in the southbound direction.
- This story was updated at 12 p.m. to include an update on evacuation alerts and road closure, and to provide video of the fire.
- This story was updated at 9:40 a.m. to include comments from the city regarding structures and the closure of the landfill today.
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