The Upper Park Rill Creek wildfire is seen in this undated image submitted by BC Wildfire Service.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/BC Wildfire Service
August 21, 2023 - 11:32 AM
Cooler weather is mitigating the wildfire situation in the South Okanagan and Similkameen, however air support is grounded due to the smoky skies.
The Upper Park Rill Creek wildfire has burned 1,090 hectares southwest of Okanagan Falls since it was discovered Aug. 18, according to BC Wildfire Service. Crater Creek wildfire has burned 41,000 hectares southwest of Keremeos since it was discovered July 22. Evacuation orders and alerts were issued for numerous properties last weekend as both fires grew rapidly.
BC Wildfire fire information officer Taylor Colman said weather conditions are much more favourable today, Aug. 21.
“We have more stable conditions... definitely better for fire behaviour and keeping activity low. Nothing significant changed overnight,” Colman said.
READ MORE: Structure losses in West Kelowna to McDougall Creek wildfire
The Crater Creek wildfire experienced some growth along the western flank and into Cathedral Provincial Park, where no properties were impacted. Colman said the actual perimeter of Crater Creek has probably increased, but the smoke is too thick for helicopters to survey the area. Crews are hopeful the skies will be clear enough to use aircraft tomorrow or Wednesday.
The number of resources committed to the fires remains the same today, she said.
There are 65 firefighters assigned to Crater Creek, as well as heavy equipment and structural protection.
Upper Park Rill Creek currently has 75 firefighters responding and structural protection.
READ MORE: Smoke and showers in the forecast for Kamloops and the Okanagan
Colman said 2023 has been “relentless” for the wildfire service. Fires in Northern B.C. made for a busy start to the season and a new record was set for the most destructive year on record before a provincial state of emergency was declared on Aug. 18.
“It’s been a long year across the province,” she said. “We’re looking after people as best we can. Keep on going day after day.”
DriveBC has a travel advisory in effect along Highway 3 between Princeton and Keremeos, as temporary accommodations are not available for non-essential purposes.
Since resources are spread thin in the fight against wildfires, the South Okangan and Similkameens’s local governments, regional district and the RCMP issued a joint statement about practicing extra caution this week.
“Conditions are extremely dry, and valuable resources shouldn't be utilized to deal with a wildfire that could have been prevented,” the statement reads. “That's why we are asking anyone heading into our area's abundant natural areas (trails, parks and forests) to practice great caution, in particular users of recreational motorized vehicles in off-road areas.
"Emergency personnel are working incredibly hard and we are asking that you not add to their burden by refraining from any activity that could spark a fire. And that’s all it takes: a small spark with favourable conditions can grow quickly.”
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