Evacuation order to come off fire near Murray Lake

UPDATE (Thursday 10:16 a.m.) — The Thompson-Nicola Regional District announced Thursday morning that, in addition to rescinding the evacuation order for the Maka-Murray fire, the evacuation alert issued July 15 is also being rescinded.

Property owners on Murray Lake are now free to return to the area.

NEWS/ WILDFIRES — The evacuation order for the Maka-Murray fire near Murray Lake between Merritt and Hope will be rescinded at 12 noon Thursday.

About 35 properties are affected.

The Wildfire Management Branch said the 340-hectare fire is 45 per cent contained. Seventy-seven firefighters, two helicopters and four pieces of heavy equipment were fighting the fire Wednesday.

Residents near the Botanie Road fire north of Lytton were told Wednesday they could return home but they will remain on evacuation alert. The fire, which reached 1,389 hectares in size, is 25 per cent contained and the wildfire branch said ground crews have made good progress, establishing a 100-ft. wet line along the east and south flanks.

Helped by the rain, 173 firefighters are working to extinguish any hot spots and smoke within the fire’s perimeter. Three helicopters were being used Wednesday.

There’s also still an alert in effect at the Smith Creek fire, which is 60 per cent contained,  near West Kelowna. Eighty firefighters with numerous air support and equipment are still working on the Smith Creek fire.