The Brenda Creek wildfire, July 14, 2021.
Image Credit: B.C. Wildfire Service
July 20, 2021 - 12:58 PM
The 450-hectare wildfire burning northwest of Peachland, near Highway 97 C, continues to get regionwide attention due to its potential for further growth and connection to a power source for 65,000 area residents.
"While fire behaviour was elevated due to increased winds on the afternoon of July 19, perimeter growth was minimal. Crews will be challenged today by an increase in fire behaviour, and fire growth is expected," B.C. Wildfire said.
Structural firefighters and equipment from Kelowna, West Kelowna, Peachland and North Westside fire departments continue providing support to the B.C. Wildfire Service working on the Brenda Creek wildfire.
Local departments are extinguishing hot spots and patrolling along the BC Hydro transmission line through the wildfire area, according to the Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre.
They say that governments on the west side of Okanagan Lake are working with other agencies such as B.C. Hydro, Interior Health and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure on plans to provide services should there be any extended power disruption.
B.C. Hydro continues to actively monitor its transmission line and infrastructure through the Brenda Creek wildfire area but is encouraging customers to be prepared.
If there is a power outage, there are some basic supplies B.C. Hydro says to have on hand. The list includes flashlights; avoid using candles as they can be a fire hazard, hand-cranked or battery-powered radio and clock, extra batteries, first aid kit, including prescription medicine if needed, non-perishable and ready-to-eat foods, bottled water: three-day supply (two litres per person per day), a manual can opener, warm clothing and blankets, supplies for those with special needs, supplies for your pet, extra keys for your house and car, cash in small denominations, games, cards and books to entertain everyone and a copy of your preparedness plan.
The next update from the Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre is anticipated at 12 p.m. Wednesday.
To contact a reporter for this story, email Kathy Michaels or call 250-718-0428 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.
We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.
News from © iNFOnews, 2021