Inkaneep Creek wildfire, July 19, 2021.
Image Credit: B.C. Wildfire Service
Republished July 20, 2021 - 10:07 AM
Original Publication Date July 20, 2021 - 9:30 AM
A wildfire that caused the evacuated of Spirit Ridge Resort and the Nk'Mip Campground and RV Resort has grown to 1,100 hectares.
The Inkaneep Creek wildfire, located six kilometres north of the Osoyoos, was discovered yesterday and has reached 1,100 ha as of this morning, July 20, according to the B.C. Wildfire Service. The service has renamed it to the Nk'Mip Creek wildfire.
Mike Campol, chief operating officer with the Osoyoos Indian Band, confirmed the resort and campground were evacuated. Burrowing Owl Estate Winery also posted via Facebook the winery is temporarily closed and has been evacuated. Phantom Creek Estates is also under an evacuation order.
"The fire is not, at this time, an imminent danger to Spirit Ridge," said Osoyoos Indian Band Chief Clarence Louie. The fire is burning up the hillside away from the resort, but he didn't know how many people were evacuated.
The fire is classified as out of control and an evacuation order is in effect for roughly 160 properties on Osoyoos Indian Band land. An evacuation alert has been issued by the Osoyoos Indian Band for 21 properties.
CONTENT ADVISORY
The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen has issued an evacuation alert for Electoral Area C and for the Town of Oliver. More information can be found on the regional district's website.
The regional district Emergency Operations Centre has declared a state of emergency, as has the Town of Osoyoos.
The wildfire service saw 12 personnel along with five helicopters respond to the wildfire last night. Search and rescue crews also assisted the RCMP in conducting a tactical evacuation, according to the service.
Air tankers dropped retardant on the west flank of the fire closest to homes. Firefighters also worked the west flank, and personnel remained on site overnight.
Power was cut on the west flank closest to homes, so crews can continue to action the fire safely, the wildfire service said.
The Oliver landfill is closed until further notice. The Osoyoos landfill, located at 17250 146 Avenue in Osoyoos, will be accepting materials from Electoral Area C and Town of Oliver at the Osoyoos landfill rates, until the Oliver Landfill reopens, according to the regional district's press release.
All evacuees are asked to register online with the Emergency Support Services tool even if evacuees do not require referrals such as housing or other services.
There is a shortage of hotel accommodations so the regional district is asking evacuees to stay with friends and family if possible.
A reception centre has been set up at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 97, at 36217 Main Street in Oliver for evacuees in need of services. For emergency support service information call 250-486-1890.
— This story was updated at 10:02 a.m. Tuesday, July 20, 2021 to include new information from the OIB and Town of Osoyoos.
— This story was updated at 10:15 a.m. Tuesday, July 20, 2021 to include new information from the regional district.
— This story was updated at 12:11 p.m. Tuesday, July 20, 2021 to include new information from B.C. Wildfire Service.
— This story was updated at 1:10p.m. Tuesday, July 20, 2021 to include new information from Chief Louie.
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