An aerial view of the Keremeos Creek wildfire.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/B.C. Wildfire
August 06, 2022 - 8:44 AM
Last night was challenging for the firefighters assigned to the large wildfire burning near Penticton but they managed to prevent any structures from being damaged.
The Keremeos Creek wildfire is burning roughly 21 km southwest of Penticton. One difficult area was the southern flank to the north of Ollala, according to B.C. Wildfire’s latest update. Crews managed to hold the line and stall the fire at the rock bluff north of the village.
The northeast flank was also a challenge last night due to wind. Contingency lines are being built in that area today, Aug. 6.
READ MORE: 'Extensive sprinkler system' protecting homes at Apex resort from nearby wildfire
Crews are expecting sunny skies, light winds, and a high of 26 degrees Celsius today.
Fuel-free lines will be built along the eastern flank from Green Mountain Road towards the McKay Creek staging area. Properties behind Green Mountain Road will have sprinklers installed.
Direct attack methods will be employed on the western flank between Green Mountain Road and Keremeos Creek Forest Service Road. The plan is for heavy equipment to establish contingency lines from Apex Mountain to South Keremeos Creek, crossing over Dividend Mountain.
Crews have been assigned to contain the fire to the north side of the Highway 3 corridor.
The Olalla Creek Forest Service Road is still closed. Highway 3A is also closed from Upper Bench Road to the Highway 97 junction due to the wildfire.
The number of firefighters have increased again today with 426 on the job, up from 393 yesterday. There are also 15 helicopters and 40 pieces of heavy equipment being used to combat the blaze.
The wildfire was discovered on July 29. Yesterday, Aug. 5 it was estimated to be 5,903 hectares. There have been more 35 fire departments, as well as many single resources, who have provided aid in responding to this wildfire, according to the wildfire service.
The cause is under investigation. More than 1,000 properties are under an evacuation alert and hundreds are on evacuation orders.
A B.C. Wildfire Service crew is seen hiking on the east flank of the Keremeos Creek wildfire, Aug. 4, 2022.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/BCWS
To contact a reporter for this story, email Dan Walton or call 250-488-3065 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.
We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.
News from © iNFOnews, 2022