Venables Valley Evacuation Order Downgraded to All Clear

The Thompson-Nicola Regional District Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has downgraded the evacuation order for the Venables Valley region due to the Shetland Creek wildfire.

The alert has now been downgraded to an “all clear” for the twelve (12) properties within the community of Venables Valley plus all properties on the map below.

(Courtesy of TNRD)

The initial evacuation order for the region was issued on August 16 at the height of the then “out of control” Shetland Creek Wildfire that raged over 27-thousand hectares and forced the evacuation of hundreds from their homes from Spences Bridge to Ashcroft.

The B.C. Wildfire Service reports that cooler temperatures and rain over the past week has helped quell 116 wildfires over the past seven days. There are currently 267 wildfires burning in the province and just 38 still burning out of control.

Fire officials are asking residents to remain vigilant and exercise caution pertaining to wildfires. On Wednesday the Kamloops Fire Centre lifted the Category 1 campfire ban for the district which includes the Merritt Fire Zone.  Category 2 and 3 wildfires are still banned until further notice.

For a complete run down of the current fire situation, go to www.tnrd.com