The Brenda Creek wildfire, July 14, 2021.
Image Credit: B.C. Wildfire Service
July 17, 2021 - 10:00 AM
An area restriction will soon be in effect near a 500-hectare wildfire burning to the south of the Okanagan Connector.
"The B.C. Wildfire Service has implemented an area restriction order for the vicinity of the Brenda Creek wildfire. The size of the area restriction reflects the continued need to protect the public in areas where there are ongoing fire suppression activities," according to the wildfire service.
No one is allowed in the area as of 12 p.m. today, July 17 and will remain in place until Oct. 15 or until it is rescinded. The order applies to Crown land and a full map of the restriction can be found on the service's website.
The Brenda Creek wildfire is burning roughly 40 kilometres away from West Kelowna.
In the B.C. Wildfire Service’s latest update July 16, it said five personnel remained on site overnight.
Yesterday, the fire burned over or under the city’s only transmission line, but Dag Sharman, B.C. Hydro community relations manager for the Southern Interior, noted fires are unpredictable and crews are standing by at the ready if the power line is affected.
READ MORE: ‘Life and death situation': Mayor concerned as wildfire threatens only hydro transmission line into West Kelowna
Since the city’s incorporation, council has been urging the province and B.C. Hydro to build another power line to the area, as there would be a significant impact to the community if a wildfire or mudslide were to take the line out, said Mayor Gord Milsom. The current transmission line runs from Merritt to a substation near Shannon Lake.
The fire is classified as out of control and its cause is under investigation.
The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen has issued an evacuation order for 43 properties in Electoral Area H. An evacuation alert has also been issued for Eneas Lakes, Pennask Lake, Trepanier, and Pennask Creek provincial parks. Visit the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen's website for more information.
The Thompson-Nicola Regional District has issued an evacuation alert for three properties located in Electoral Area M.
A small wildfire near West Kelowna's Bear Creek is being held, and three B.C. Wildfire firefighters are on scene today.
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