Evacuation orders downgraded for Quilpituk Creek wildfire, residents return home

Residents forced to evacuate their homes due to the Quilpituk Creek wildfire north of West Kelowna, British Columbia, can now return, as evacuation orders have been downgraded to alerts.

The evacuation orders affecting properties from Cinnabar Creek to Westshore Estates have been lifted and replaced with evacuation alerts. Similarly, evacuation alerts for properties south of Cinnabar Creek in the Wilson’s Landing area have been rescinded entirely.

Residents are being allowed to return home in stages, entering from the south end of Westside Road via West Kelowna. However, the north end of Westside Road remains closed, with no access permitted past Westshore Estates, according to Central Okanagan Emergency Management.

As a precautionary measure, returning residents are encouraged to thoroughly inspect their properties and surrounding trees for any potential issues or damage before fully re-entering their homes.