KELOWNA, B.C. — Okanagan residents who were rushed out of their homes as a fast-moving wildfire swept through their West Kelowna, B.C., neighbourhood are being allowed to return.
However, those residents must be prepared to leave again at moments notice.
Seventy properties were ordered evacuated on Monday night, just a day after the lightning-caused fire flared up and was fuelled by dry conditions and strong winds.
On Thursday, Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Premier Christy Clark visited the area and thanked fire crews who had been working to put out the blaze.
Harper promised to work with officials in both B.C. and Saskatchewan, where fires have forced numerous evacuations, to better co-ordinate resources and fire mitigation.
There are over 220 active fires burning in B.C., but cooler temperatures and wet weather have helped in the firefighting effort.
