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Slocan evacuation order lifted and highway reopened

After a harrowing night of evacuation, residents of the Slocan Valley are able to return home.
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Residents evacuated last night are able to return home to the Slocan Valley this afternoon.

After a harrowing night of evacuation, residents of the Slocan Valley are able to return home. The safety of their community was jeopardized by a semi-truck accident that spilled jet fuel in to Lemon Creek on Friday afternoon.

RDCK public information officer Bill Macpherson says analysis of numerous air, water and soil samples by agencies working collectively on the impacts of the spill have determined the evacuation order issued yesterday can be lifted.

Highway 6 has also reopened effective immediately.

“Nearly 600 residents who have been out of their homes since yesterday – staying with friends, family or at one of three reception centres established by Emergency Social Services – will be able to return home,” said Macpherson in a release issued this afternoon.

Residents are still asked to refrain from drinking their water or using water for irrigation purposes if using surface sources. This restriction will be in place for 24 hours.