The Okanagan Indian Band has downgraded an evacuation order to an alert for residents west of Spallumcheen.
In an update Aug. 9, the Okanagan Indian Band said residents of 9511 and 9551 Highway 97, 18 and 36 Tonasket Road, 12594 Westside Road, 20 Eagle Rock Road, 2585 and 2591 Highway 97 and all residents of Coyote Crossing may return home.
Officials reminded residents not to enter damaged buildings or restricted areas.
“Conditions may look very different from when you left, and hazards may remain on individual properties and throughout the surrounding area,” the OKIB said in its update.
They are reminding residents to refrain from entering damaged building and areas that have been restricted.
“Even if your home was not directly damaged, smoke, soot, ash and other hazards may remain,” officials said.
Residents were advised to check their properties before entering, wear appropriate clothing and footwear, replace furnace and air-conditioning filters, check food before eating it and use caution when cleaning up ash and soot.
The band also reminded residents to be respectful of their neighbours because some homes and properties have been significantly damaged or lost.
“Please respect private property, avoid entering or photographing damaged properties that are not your own and give affected families the privacy and space they need,” the OKIB said.
Current information on the Bradley Creek wildfire is available on the B.C. Wildfire Service website.
