The Eagle Bluff fire has jumped in size this evening,as it moves upslope. This photo was taken earlier this evening, Aug. 6, 2019, from Kaleden, around 15 km away.
(STEVE ARSTAD / iNFOnews.ca)
August 07, 2019 - 5:03 AM
PENTICTON - The Eagle Bluff fire continued to grow yesterday evening and overnight and is now 900 hectares in size.
Extreme conditions and the rugged terrain contributed to the fire’s growth, B.C. Wildfire says in a tweet this morning, Aug. 7.
The evacuation alert has also been expanded by the Osoyoos Indian Band to include properties in the Senkulmen Industrial Park.
The fire has grown considerably since B.C. Wildfire reported its size at 280 ha around 4:20 p.m yesterday afternoon.
B.C. Wildfire says the fire is expected to continue to grow as the fire moves upslope, which is also, fortunately, away from communities. The wildfire service says the growth will bring the fire into more workable and safe terrain for resources on site.
Firefighters hope to perform small-scale hand ignition burning today along the southern edge of Gallagher Lake. B.C. Wildfire says to expect to see more smoke as a result of this work.
Eight helicopters could be seen working the fire this afternoon, taking water from nearby Vaseux Lake.
The fire was discovered Sunday, Aug. 4 and is now considered an interface fire, with an evacuation alert for properties in the vicinity of Gallagher Lake.
The fire is located approximately 10 km southeast of Okanagan Falls and is considered out of control.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
— This story was updated at 8:30 a.m Aug. 7, 2019, to include new information about the size of the fire and an expanded evacuation alert.
The Eagle Bluff wildfire south of Okanagan Falls on Tuesday evening, Aug. 6, 2019.The above photo was taken from Kaleden.
(STEVE ARSTAD / iNFOnews.ca)
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