Fire in mop up stage

UPDATE: 3:45 p.m. 

A day after the Cinnabar Creek wildfire off Westside Road was first reported, excellent progress fighting the blaze has allowed the Central Okanagan Regional Emergency Operation Centre to close.

The BC Wildfire Service has taken control over the fire which is now 100 per cent contained and in the mop-up stage.

Over the next few days firefighters will be working to completely extinguish the blaze.

Tonight a crew from the Wilson’s Landing paid-on-call fire department will monitor the fire to put out any hotspots.

The public is asked to stay out of the way of firefighters and emergency responders who are continuing to snuff out the fire.

From time to time smoke and flames may be seen from the area of the almost three-hectare blaze.

Westside Road is now completely open for all traffic north and southbound.

Motorists should watch for, and yield to, any emergency vehicles.

The Regional Emergency Program states that it would like to thank all residents for their support and patience while supporting first responders on this fire.

“As well, a big vote of thanks goes to the volunteers with the Kelowna Salvation Army, who again provided the mobile kitchen service to feed those fighting the fire on the frontline,” sates a press release.

Central Okanagan residents are encouraged to prepare to be self sufficient for at least 72 hours in the event they are faced with a potential emergency.

Find out how to prepare your family by visiting the Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre website, www.cordemergency.ca and click on the ‘Be Prepared’ link.

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UPDATE: 10:26 a.m.

The Cinnabar Creek wildfire off Westside Road is now 100 per cent contained and crews are mopping up the remaining hot spots.

The fire is estimated to have burned three hectares above and west of Westside Road, in steep terrain.

Firefighters from the Wilson's Landing Fire Department are mopping up the fire, with support from the BC Wildfire Service as needed.

Central Okanagan Emergency Operations says crews will remain on scene over the next few days.

“Please stay out of their way, do not drive over hose lines, and watch for and yield to emergency vehicles,” states a press release.

Westside Road remains partially open through the fire area, as single lane alternating traffic is allowed through.

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UPDATED: 8:08 a.m.

The evacuation alert has now been lifted for the Cinnabar Creek wildfire off Westside Road. 

While the Central Okanagan Emergency Operations originally planned to have Westside Road open by 6:30 a.m., it is now expected to be open to single lane alternating traffic at 8:30 a.m.

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ORIGINAL: 7:05 a.m.

Crews made good progress overnight battling a small but aggressive wildfire along Westside Road.

Cooler temperatures and almost no wind are being credited for calming the activity of the Cinnabar Creek blaze.

The Central Okanagan Regional District says flames have scorched about 2.8 hectares of bush on the west side of Okanagan Lake.

The blaze broke out Wednesday afternoon, closing Westside Road, but a release from the regional district says single lane alternating traffic is now moving through the fire zone.

An evacuation alert for a nearby resort and two summer camps remains in effect, but the status of the alert will be reviewed as the day progresses.

About 20 BC Wildfire Service fire fighters worked with crews from area fire departments to keep an eye on the blaze through the night.

– The Canadian Press