Residents describe returning home as fire evacuation orders lift in Okanagan

Evacuees began staged return to 2,400 households around the Quilpituk Creek fire area on Friday morning

"Today is a good day, today is good news."

The sentiment from the Regional District of Central Okanagan's Kari O'Rourke is one locals haven't heard much lately.

But on Friday morning, residents of about 2,400 households around the Quilpituk Creek wildfire zone found out they could finally return home after evacuation orders for properties from Cinnabar Creek to Westshore Estates were downgraded to an alert.

Throughout the morning, vehicles were granted entry in a staged return designed to prevent traffic congestion.

What you need to know about B.C. wildfires on Aug. 14

The B.C. Wildfire Service said the blaze was "being held," meaning it was not projected to grow any further.

No structures have been lost in the fire, which has been burning for around two weeks and is more than 1,200 hectares in size.

But hazards and challenges remain.

"[There will be] ash, soot, a lot of smoke residue and debris on properties and roadways," O'Rourke said.

"Bring some potable water and cleaning supplies to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours."

James Britton, who lives at La Casa Lakeside Resort, has just returned home from his third evacuation in six years.

"The house smelled clean, there was just ash all over our deck, which needs to be cleaned up," he said.

"I had some peace of mind before we arrived because we have cameras on the house, so when the power came we were able to look around and see our neighbours were safe, our home was safe."

Britton, who is part of La Casa's fire mitigation committee, said recently installed generators had made life easier for firefighters.

"They were able to come in here and, every 10 minutes or so, fill up a truck … so that they could fight the fires on the highway," he said.

"So we were the source of water, whereas in past years the moment the power goes out we drain our reservoir in a couple of hours."

Despite the extra resources, he admitted the frequency of wildfires made him question whether he should continue to live in the area.

"This is … our little slice of heaven here at La Casa. But at the same time you go, am I likely to live through this again? And the answer is yes."

Britton said his neighbours had kept in touch on social media, and made a point of helping each other out.

"We have folks who stayed around and emptied over 250 fridges," he said.

"To quote one of my friends who did it, well, he never wants to see Costco chicken ever again," he laughed.

Not everyone came home to a clean fridge.

Ryan Hargreaves, who owns and operates La Casa Market & Kitchen, was forced to abandon stock in coolers and freezers for 12 days.

"A lot of food from our kitchen went bad … It's definitely going to be a lot of work to get open again."

While his home and business survived the blaze, across the lake others have lost everything.

"I'm really sad that all the homes at the north part of the lake are destroyed," he said.

Some Bald Range fire evacuees allowed to return to Summerland

Further south, evacuation orders have been downgraded for Peachland evacuees, who will be allowed to return home from 6 p.m. PT Friday.

Orders have also been lifted for 400 properties at Trout Creek, close to where the Bald Range wildfire continues to burn.

"We're starting with the least-affected neighbourhoods," said Summerland Mayor Doug Holmes.

"Every couple of days we should have a new neighbourhood moving back in. Everyone just wants to go home."

Pam and Jack Borchert and their dogs returned home with a trunkful of groceries and fresh water.

"It's a little bit surreal to be here and emotions are all over the map," said Pam.

"This house burned down 10 years ago and we had to rebuild it, so we know all about fires and evacuation."

The couple said they know of many people who had lost homes, and planned to invite friends who could not return home yet to stay with them.

While some people have been allowed to return home, authorities have reminded residents that evacuation alerts remain in place.

"Residents … should be prepared to leave immediately if conditions change," Central Okanagan Emergency Management said in a statement.

Ruby Cornish is a journalist with CBC News based in Vancouver. She spent more than a decade reporting, producing and presenting with Australia's public broadcaster before relocating to Canada in 2026.

With files from Brady Strachan and Charlotte Groulx