Evacuation alerts lifted on Anarchist Mountain, east of Osoyoos, B.C.

Evacuation alerts were issued east of Osoyoos, B.C., on Monday after a wildfire sparked on Anarchist Mountain.

Evacuation alerts issued east of Osoyoos, B.C., Monday after a wildfire sparked on Anarchist Mountain have been rescinded. The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen lifted the alerts around 1 p.m. Tuesday, less than 24 hours after they were issued. “An evacuation alert may need to be reissued if conditions change,” the district said in its update.

The wildfire, located on an area of the mountain called Regal Ridge, is currently identified as K50824 and was last measured at 2.21 hectares. It was classified as being out of control earlier in the afternoon, but the BC Wildfire Service has since downgraded it to being held. Provincial wildfire fighters are working alongside the Anarchist Mountain Fire Department in suppression efforts, according to the regional district.

In a 3:30 p.m. update posted on its website, shortly before the fire was declared held, the regional district stated that the evacuation alert remained in place, citing “potential danger to life and health.” The alert covered any properties located on Anarchist Mountain, Sasquatch Trail and Cougar Court. “This evacuation alert has been issued to prepare you to evacuate your premises or property should it be found necessary.

Residents will be given as much advance notice as possible prior to evacuation; however, you may receive limited notice due to changing conditions,” the regional district stated. Anarchist Mountain overlooks Osoyoos and is less than 10 kilometres from the United States border. Wildfire officials believe the blaze was caused by humans.