PEACHLAND, B.C. - The last of the evacuees from the forest fire in Peachland, B.C., are being allowed to return home, though all 1,550 people who were forced from their homes remain on alert to leave at moment's notice.
The fire started Sunday just outside of Peachland, a community of about 5,200 people located 380 kilometres northeast of Vancouver, and quickly spread.
It forced an evacuation order that covered roughly a third of the town and destroyed four houses.
Favourable weather has helped crews get a handle on the fire, and the regional district says the 258 people who are still under evacuation order will be allowed home as of 5 p.m.
The Central Okanagan Regional District says residents should still be cautious of hazardous conditions, such as brittle trees that can fall silently.
Homeowners whose properties were covered in red fire retardant dropped from air tankers are being asked to call the local office of ICL, which specializes in removing fire retardant.
