Improved visibility allows limited air support on Testalinden Creek fire
PENTICTON – Firefighters working the Testalinden Creek blaze are receiving some limited air support today, Aug. 25, as South Okanagan skies clear of heavy smoke.
B.C. Wildfire Fire Information Officer Heather Rice said 245 firefighters are currently working the blaze, aided by 11 helicopters.
“Flying is still at a minimum, but there has been some improved visibility,” Rice said.
Twenty-one pieces of heavy equipment are also working the fire. Rice says a night crew will be lighting back fires this evening along the north and nothwest flanks of Hester Creek.
“If residents of Osoyoos and Oliver notice increased fire activity tonight, it will be because of our night crew,” Rice says.
An evacuation notice remains in effect for the Testalinden Creek fire, which now sits at 3,170 hectares, which is 60 per cent contained. Residents should see the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen website for updates and information on the evacuation notice.
Rice says the Wilsons Creek fire has been fully contained, with 14 firefighters currently handling mop up.
To contact the reporter for this story, email Steve Arstad at sarstad@infonews.ca or call 250-488-3065. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.
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