Firefighters focus on north side of wildfire near Osoyoos, Oliver with increased fire activity | iNFOnews | Thompson-Okanagan's News Source
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Firefighters focus on north side of wildfire near Osoyoos, Oliver with increased fire activity

The Nk'Mip Creek wildfire, Aug. 4, 2021.
Image Credit: FACEBOOK/Callie Temple

Firefighters are focusing their efforts on the northern side of a wildfire burning to the east of Oliver and Osoyoos with increased activity in that area.

The B.C. Wildfire Service saw wildfire activity overnight within the Nk'Mip Creek wildfire’s existing perimeter and an initial attack crew, comprised of three people, conducted night operations in the McKinney Road area in the northwest part of the fire to ensure there wasn’t any fire growth coming downhill towards any structures or the community, said B.C. Wildfire Service information officer Claire Allen.

The fire did see growth a few days ago on the northwest side with strong winds and crews were working yesterday in difficult terrain in that area and were being supported by aircraft to cool fire behaviour, she said.

The fire is estimated to be 16,005 hectares in size and is classified as out of control.

Last night, Aug. 4, gusty winds occurred on the complex and dry lightning was observed in the area, according to the wildfire service.

"Today, water skimming aircraft were called in to support ground operations on the north flank to reduce fire behaviour while ground crews work on the northwest corner of the fire," according to the service.

“The dry and gusty overnight conditions led to fire growth on the northwest corner. Crews will work today to control the escape and establish containment, using hand ignition where possible."

Ignition plans are underway for the Mt. Baldy Road area to the east of the fire.

Temperatures will remain high and winds gusts are expected in the southwest up to 30 km/hr which has been pretty standard on the fire, Allen said.

Evacuation orders and alerts are in place for the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen, Regional District of Kootenay Boundary and Osoyoos Indian Band.

 


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