The Keremeos Creek wildfire July 30, 2022.

Image Credit: B.C. Wildfire Service

A ski hill near Penticton is preparing to utilize machines that normally create snow in the winter against a wildfire.

The Apex Mountain village near Penticton is currently under an evacuation alert due to the Keremeos Creek wildfire burning to the southeast of the village.

“We are activating our snowmaking system that we have that runs from the top of the mountain to the bottom of the mountain,” said Apex general manager James Shalman.

In the winter, the snowmakers blow water droplets into the air that turns into snow but in the summer the snowmakers will act as a sprinkler system that can shoot water 200 feet into the air, he said.

“This has been our plan from day one. This is part of our… fire prevention plan in the summer.”

The machines are being placed at strategic locations around the village, he said.

Shalman said wind is currently blowing the wildfire away from the resort and there are currently blue skies at the ski hill.

“Right now, the feeling is good, that can all change though if winds change,” he said.

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen issued an alert for properties in the village last night, July 30 at 5:30 p.m.

An evacuation order was also sent out yesterday for homes in the Green Mountain Road area between Highway 3A to the south and Apex Mountain Road to the north and in the general vicinity of Ford Lake; and the north end of Sheep Creek Road, according to the regional district.

The Keremeos Creek wildfire is currently burning out of control and listed at 437 ha in size. One non-residential structure has been destroyed by the wildfire.

The fire saw little growth overnight and low visibility in the area is creating a challenge for aerial crews, according to the B.C. Wildfire Service. A Smoky Skies Bulletin has been issued for the region by Environment Canada.

One helicopter is currently on site and three additional helicopters are available once visibility improves.

There are currently 40 B.C. Wildfire Service personnel, including structure protection crews and smoke jumpers, trained to parachute from fixed-wing aircraft to access wildfires in remote locations, responding to the blaze. Multiple fire department apparatus and personnel are assisting with structural protection, according to the service.

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