Controlled burns are underway along the western boundary of the Eagle Bluff Wildfire near Osoyoos. This photo is from a similar controlled burn on Aug. 8, 2019.
Image Credit: Submitted/BC Wildfire Service
August 02, 2023 - 8:30 AM
Firefighters in the U.S. and Canada are working together to light fires on the western flank of the Eagle Bluff Wildfire west of Osoyoos.
“The planned ignition will cover up to 1,000 hectares where the fire is burning in steep and rocky terrain that poses safety risks to crews and heavy equipment,” say a news release from BC Wildfire Service.
“The purpose of the planned ignition is to remove unburnt fuel in an intentional way to secure the control line and achieve containment on the west flank of the fire. Based on current conditions this unburnt fuel has the potential to burn on its own in a significantly more active way.”
The burning was planned to start by hand and aerial methods yesterday, Aug. 1 and continue through today. It started in the Nighthawk Road area then will follow existing road networks into Canada where it will be tied into Frank Lake then run adjacent to Highway 3 along the base of the slope.
“Planned ignitions are a very useful tactic in fire suppression and fire management and are often the safer and more efficient operational tactic,” the news release says. “It allows us to bring the fire perimeter down to control lines and creates a more uniform and continuous fire edge which is easier for crews to use direct attack methods on and extinguish hot spots to strengthen control lines and achieve containment.
“This is also more time efficient and safe for the crews as they have to spend less time chasing hot spots and patches of free burning fire in rough terrain.
As of 7 p.m. last night, Aug. 1, the fire was estimated to be at 3,044 hectares on the Canadian side of the border.
Weather conditions over the past few days have caused the fire to become more active but it is burning away from Osoyoos so most evacuation orders have been lifted, although evacuation alerts continue.
Evacuation orders continue for the Osoyoos Industrial Park, properties south of Highway 3 from Osoyoos to Nighthawk Road and the Kilpoola and Spotted Lake areas south of Highway 3.
READ MORE: Wildfire evacuations ease in Osoyoos, B.C., after frightening weekend
The weather forecast is for continued hot and sunny weather through the weekend with daytime highs ranging from 31-34 Celsius.
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