Emergency Evacuation Orders Lifted for Thompson-Nicola Wildfire Zone

After seven days of around-the-clock work, BC Wildfire Service crews have successfully contained a 45,000-hectare fire burning north of Kamloops, allowing more than 3,000 displaced residents to return to their homes.

The Thompson-Nicola Regional District lifted all evacuation orders Thursday evening, though alerts remain in place for a further 1,200 properties as crews work to fully extinguish hotspots along the fire's southern flank.

"This was an extraordinary effort by our crews and by partner agencies from across the province," said BC Wildfire Service incident commander Deanna Hartley. "The community showed incredible resilience throughout a very difficult week."

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Provincewide, a total of fourteen fires are still burning, with two classified as out of control. The province has not yet declared an end to its enhanced response mode, which was activated earlier this month.

Residents returning home are advised to check their properties for hazards, keep windows closed until air quality improves, and report any smoldering material to 1-800-663-5555.