An undated photo of the Nk'Mip Creek wildfire.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/BC Wildfire Service
Republished July 22, 2021 - 2:01 PM
Original Publication Date July 22, 2021 - 9:15 AM
Properties to the south of Highway 3 are being evacuated due to the Nk'Mip Creek wildfire.
A new evacuation order is in place for all addresses south of Highway 3 on Anarchist Mountain.
The new evacuation order has been issued by the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen for Electoral Area A. Go here to see the properties impacted by the new evacuation order, and here to see the properties covered by the previous evacuation order which is still in effect.
You can also call the emergency operation centre at 250-490-4225 for more information.
Image Credit: Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen
Search and rescue crews and the RCMP may come to residents households to evacuate.
"Firefighters are on scene and attacking the fire to prevent any structure loss. Structural protection units are preparing homes so that they are as FireSafe as possible. RCMP have contracted additional security services which were patrolling areas last night and will continue to do so," according to the fire department.
No structures were lost last night and firefighters were able to save residences near Spirit Ridge Resort as wind posed a challenge as they battled the Nk'Mip Creek wildfire.
"It got right down to the road by the residences last night with the shifts in wind, but they did hold that line. As of right now, it's looking much better," said Osoyoos Indian Band chief operating officer Mike Campbol.
A band evacuation order has been downgraded to an alert for the Nk'Mip RV Park and Campground but the residences of Spirit Ridge and the resort remain on an evacuation order, he said. You can contact the Osoyoos Indian Band at 250-498-3444 for more information.
"It was an unbelievable, well-planned, co-ordinated effort with the local fire departments and B.C. Wildfire to hold that line throughout the night in a really challenging situation," he said.
The out of control wildfire burning near Osoyoos was mapped at 2,000 hectares as of last night.
The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen has issued an evacuation alert for Electoral Area A, C and the Town of Oliver. The district has also issued an evacuation order for Electoral Area A and C and a state of local emergency has been declared by the district's Emergency Operations Centre. For more information, visit the regional district's website here.
The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary has also issued an evacuation order for 122 properties and an evacuation alert for an additional 304 properties in the area of the Nk'Mip Creek wildfire. For more information, visit the regional district's website here.
Yesterday, Osoyoos Mayor Sue McKortoff asked tourists to stay away from the community due to the wildfires.
READ MORE: Tourists cautioned to think twice before heading toward B.C. towns struggling with wildfires
— This story was updated at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 22, 2021 with new information from the Osoyoos Indian Band.
— This story was updated at 1:54 p.m. Thursday, July 22, 2021 with new information on evacuation orders.
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