Residents allowed to return home after Kelowna-area wildfire forces tactical evacuations

The Daves Creek wildfire near Kelowna is seen on Sunday, Aug. 10, in this image handed out by the BC Wildfire Service.

Crews have brought the Daves Creek wildfire burning near Kelowna under control, allowing for evacuees to return home and Highway 33 to be reopened.

Approximately 25 addresses were tactically evacuated in the Joe Rich area after a blaze broke out Sunday afternoon about 15 kilometres east of the city.

Three addresses on Goudie Road remain on evacuation alert until further notice, the BC Wildfire Service said Sunday evening.

Residents on evacuation alert are advised to be ready to leave their home at a moment’s notice. They should be prepared to be away from their home for an extended period of time, should make arrangements for pets, and pack essential items such as medicines and important documents.

All returning residents should head home through Cardinal Creek Road to Sun Valley Road to avoid the crews’ ongoing fire suppression efforts.

“As firefighters continue to monitor and address hot spots overnight and over the coming days, residents should expect to see some residual smoke from the wildfire, as well as the regular movement of fire equipment,” the BC Wildfire Service said.

The 2.5-hectare fire, still under investigation, shut down Highway 33 between Daves Road and Joe Rich Road early Sunday afternoon.

Three helicopters and three initial attack crews were deployed, as were local municipal fire departments, according to the BCWS.

As of Sunday evening, Highway 33 had reopened to single-lane alternating traffic.

According to the BC Wildfire Service, there are currently 100 active fires burning throughout the province.