Evacuation alerts lifted as wildfire now under control in Kelowna, B.C.

The nearly seven-hectare Knox Mountain wildfire just north of downtown Kelowna, B.C., is now considered under control, according to the B.C. Wildfire Service.

But the park itself will be closed for several more days, according to authorities, even as evacuation alerts related to the fire were lifted on Monday.

"The situation will be reassessed on Tuesday," West Kelowna RCMP Cpl. Judith Bertrand said in a statement on Sunday. "Although the wildfire appears to be under control, it is important for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles to stay out of the park for the next few days."

The Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre(EOC) said in a statement residents are prohibited from entering the active fire zone, which covers an estimated area of 6.5 hectares, because it is still possible a new fire could break out.

"We're still dealing with flare-ups and burning tree roots which can cause ember-filled sink holes," said Sandra Follack, deputy fire chief of the Kelowna Fire Department, on Sunday morning.

"People and their pets must stay out of the area for the safety of themselves and to avoid interfering with our fire crews and potentially creating a new incident."

The statement from the EOC says people can face fines of up to $500 if they enter an active fire zone.

WATCH | Helicopter drops water on fire in Kelowna on Canada Day:

Helicopter drops water on a wildfire burning 2 kilometres from downtown Kelowna, B.C.

1 year ago

Duration 0:43

A B.C. Wildfire Service helicopter drops water onto the Knox Mountain wildfire that started within Kelowna city limits on Canada Day.

The B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS) says it suspects human activitycaused the fire, which was discovered around 2 p.m. on Canada Day and was highly visible for those celebrating the occasion along Okanagan Lake.

An evacuation order was initially issued for more than 400 properties in thePoplar Point, Knox Mountain, Magic Estates and Clifton neighbourhoods on Sunday, but within three hours that was downgraded to an alert, as firefighting helicopters and planes spraying fire retardant helped bring the fire under control.

"With that response, we were able to implement a fuel-free [fire] guard and wet lines around the fire," said Aydan Coray, a fire information officer. "[It's] essentially just removing the fuel ... and putting a water delivery system surrounding fire."

The evacuation alerts, and a local state of emergency, have now been lifted for the Central Okanagan city. However, firefighters say they aren't out of the woods yet.

"We would like to remind our residents that this is still an active fire and in areas the fire is no longer burning there are still potential hazards," Follack said on Monday. "We appreciate the public's patience and for helping with firefighting efforts by remaining away from the areas of Knox Mountain Park that were part of the active fire."

Knox Mountain is a popular destination for tourists, and there are several residential subdivisions in the area. Itis just two kilometres north of downtown Kelowna, a city of 150,000 people.

Coraythanked the public for promptly reporting the new fire on Canada Day many throughthe service's mobile appto notify officials of new blazes.

On Sunday, she said that lighter winds than the previous day "are helping to hold the fire perimeter."

The emergency operations centre urgedresidents under an evacuation alert should pack a wildfire go bag.

An evacuation alert means residents should prepare to evacuate their homes, possibly with little to no notice.An evacuation order which was initially but brieflyissued in this instance meansresidents should leave immediately.