Evacuation orders rescinded for residents near overnight wildfire in Vernon, B.C.

Residents near the north Okanagan city of Vernon, B.C., are being asked to return home on Saturday, after a wildfire nearby triggered an evacuation early morning.

According to a written release from the District of Coldstream, the tactical evacuation on Clerke Road has been rescinded, but residents are still under an evacuation alert.

"An evacuation alert means there is still potential risk and residents should be prepared to evacuate at a moments notice," the district stated.

Social media posts from the area showed flames climbing up a hill near Coldstream, east of Vernon, on Friday night. At around 12:30 a.m. PT on Saturday, the city said residents in the district were placed under an evacuation order, and were prompted to leave their house immediately.

An evacuation alert has also been put place for residences on Kalamalka Lakeview Drive, Carriage Lane and along Commonage Road — between Allen Brooks and Bailey Road.

The city says Highway 97 is closed in both directions between Clerke Road and Birnie Road and motorists are being asked to avoid traveling near the area.

Anyone placed under an evacuation order must leave the area immediately. 

Evacuation centres have been set up throughout the province to assist anyone evacuating from a community under threat from a wildfire. To find the centre closest to you, visit the Emergency Management BC website.

Evacuees are encouraged to register with Emergency Support Services online, whether or not they access services at an evacuation centre.

Emergency Management BC is requesting that those who know of a person who may have been in Lytton on June 30, 2021 and who cannot be accounted for, call or attend any RCMP Detachment to report that person missing.