Wildfire near Oliver, Osoyoos now estimated to be 13,000 hectares | iNFOnews | Thompson-Okanagan's News Source
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Wildfire near Oliver, Osoyoos now estimated to be 13,000 hectares

Image Credit: FILE PHOTO

A wildfire burning near Oliver and Osoyoos is now estimated to be roughly 13,000 hectares in size.

The B.C. Wildfire Service has been unable to get an updated accurate mapping of the fire's size, but estimates the fire has grown to roughly 13,000 hectares since an update was last provided July 23, said B.C. Wildfire Service information officer Dani McIntosh.

Yesterday, July 29, the B.C. Wildfire Service reported there was some smoke that had cleared around the Nk’Mip Creek wildfire, burning to the east of Osoyoos and Oliver.

There was some growth yesterday on the fire’s north end but the fire did not grow significantly. Fire crews expect to see increased fire activity today and tomorrow.

“Crews will continue to patrol and mop up around residential areas near McKinney Rd, Nk’Mip Rd and Shrike Hill, burning off any unburnt fuel, reinforcing existing guards and extinguishing hotspots. FireSmart work on properties is ongoing. By removing available fuels from within home ignition zones and around facilities, fires are less likely to impact interface areas,” according to the service.

Structure protection is ongoing near the Anarchist Mountain community and mop up efforts continue on the fire’s southern perimeter.

“Heavy equipment is progressing with guard assessment and line construction near Shrike and the contingency line near Mount Baldy and Sidley Meadows. Equipment is also being utilized to supply water for facility protection.”

Hot and dry weather conditions are expected to continue and evacuation orders and alerts remain in effect. For more information, visit the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen and Regional District of Kootenay Boundary websites.

With the Southern Interior of B.C. facing challenging wildfire activity, the City of Penticton, with help from volunteers, businesses and not-for-profits, has been providing mutual aid to other municipalities since June 30.

“I’m proud that our City’s experts and dedicated volunteer resources are available to assist others. Penticton received wide-spread support from other parts of BC during last summer’s Christie Mountain wildfire, so it’s nice to give back when others are in need now,” said Penticton Mayor, John Vassilaki, in a press release.

Donations given to the Red Cross’s B.C. Fires Appeal or gift cards dropped off at City Hall and the Penticton ESS will be distributed to evacuees staying in the community.


To contact a reporter for this story, email Carli Berry or call 250-864-7494 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.

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