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Fire evacuees back but still on alert

The last of the evacuees from the forest fire in Peachland are being allowed to return home, though all 1,550 people who were forced from their homes remain on alert to leave at a moment's notice.
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A wildfire in Peachland left this property in ruins and forced the evacuation of 1,550 people.

The last of the evacuees from the forest fire in Peachland are being allowed to return home, though all 1,550 people who were forced from their homes remain on alert to leave at a moment's notice.

The fire started Sunday just outside of Peachland, located 25 kilometres south of Kelowna, and quickly spread. It forced an evacuation order that covered roughly a third of the town and destroyed four houses.

Favourable weather has helped crews get a handle on the fire, and the regional district says the 258 people who were still under evacuation order were allowed home late Wednesday.

The Central Okanagan Regional District says residents should still be cautious of hazardous conditions, such as brittle trees that can fall suddenly.

Homeowners whose properties were covered in red fire retardant dropped from air tankers are being asked to call the local office of ICL, which specializes in removing fire retardant.