Coldwater Band still under evacuation alert

The July Mountain wildfire is currently estimated at 6,567 hectares and classified as ‘out of control’.

On Tuesday a number of property owners were allowed to return home as an evacuation order was downgraded to an alert. Eight properties remain under evacuation order due to the blaze.

The Coldwater Indian Band was put under an evacuation alert last week, and Chief Lee Spahan confirms the community remains ready to leave if required.

“We do have our Emergency Operations Centre team up and running. We have been in contact with BC Wildfire,” said Spahan. “We’re just waiting to here if that will be rescinded or not. We thought we were going to have a meeting today about it but yes were are still on evacuation alert.”

The July Mountain wildfire was caused by discovered on July 13, and was caused by lightning.