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B.C. regional district lifts last of its evacuation orders for Ainslie Creek wildfire
Improving weather and light rain allowed crews to ease restrictions, but the wildfire is expected to keep burning inside its perimeter for months.
On Saturday, the Thompson-Nicola Regional District downgraded evacuation orders to alerts for 58 properties near the Ainslie Creek wildfire, while declaring 94 properties all-clear; Coldwater concurrently allowed residents of Paul's Basin to return home under evacuation alert.
Cooler temperatures and light rain across the Brunswick Complex moderated fire behaviour, allowing BC Wildfire Service to adjust safety status for impacted communities following weeks of intense suppression activity.
BCWS crews, including 261 firefighting personnel and 14 helicopters, continue strengthening containment lines and extinguishing hotspots within the Brunswick Complex as suppression efforts remain critical.
Despite short-term relief, BCWS officials warn the 67,722-hectare Ainslie Creek wildfire will likely remain active within its perimeter until winter due to extreme drought conditions persisting in soil and trees.
An Area Restriction remains in effect for the entire Ainslie Creek wildfire zone, signalling that significant hazards persist despite recent downgrades; residents are advised to exercise extreme caution.