The Thompson‑Nicola Regional District has rescinded the last of its evacuation orders connected to the Ainslie Creek wildfire, downgrading one order to an evacuation alert while declaring another set of properties all clear.
What changed this weekend
Regional officials said the order affecting 58 addressed properties in the Coldwater and Patchett Road areas was changed to an evacuation alert. Separately, 94 properties that had been on evacuation alert were declared all clear.
| Status | Number of properties |
|---|---|
| Downgraded to evacuation alert (Coldwater & Patchett Road) | 58 |
| Declared all clear | 94 |
| Remain on evacuation alert (regional total) | 248 |
The B.C. Wildfire Service continues to list the Ainslie Creek blaze as out of control. The fire was last measured at 677 square kilometres.
Returning home — with caution
The regional district said property owners are permitted to return to their land where orders have been lifted, but urged caution and awareness of potential hazards. Officials did not provide additional detail beyond the advisories contained in their public statement.
- Some residents whose properties were on alert have been given the all‑clear.
- Others — including those in the Coldwater and Patchett Road areas — remain on evacuation alert and should monitor updates.
- An evacuation order issued by the Spuzzum First Nation remained in effect as of Saturday afternoon.
Wider wildfire context in the Interior
Elsewhere in the Interior, officials in the Regional District of Okanagan‑Similkameen announced major rescinds of evacuation orders and alerts related to the Bald Range wildfire. The RDOS lifted its evacuation order on lands east and west of Faulder and Darke Lake, and on three properties on McLennan Road.
The B.C. Wildfire Service has moved to restrict access within the vicinity of the Bald Range fire by implementing an Area Restriction Order, effective noon Saturday local time. Under that order, entry to the restricted area is limited; enforcement details were not included in the regional notices.
Public information and next steps
Residents in affected parts of the Thompson‑Nicola Regional District should consult official channels for the latest evacuation status: the regional district’s website and the B.C. Wildfire Service provide updates on orders, alerts and fire behaviour. Emergency-management officials often advise that returning residents check for downed power lines, damaged roads, ash and hotspots, and follow public‑health guidance related to air quality.
At the time of the regional update, authorities reported 248 properties within the Thompson‑Nicola jurisdiction remained under evacuation alert. The Spuzzum First Nation’s evacuation order continued to be active.
Wildfires have prompted evacuation orders and alerts across British Columbia this summer. While some communities saw orders lifted this weekend, the scale of the Ainslie Creek fire and other blazes means firefighting and public‑safety work will continue for the foreseeable future.
Local residents seeking confirmation of their property status should contact the Thompson‑Nicola Regional District or their local emergency operations centre. The regional district has advised that property owners who return do so with caution and remain aware of hazards in the area.
