iN VIDEO: More planned ignitions conducted today near Osoyoos

More planned ignitions are happening near Osoyoos today, Aug. 3.

The Eagle Bluff wildfire has burned 3,044 hectares on the Canadian side of the border, according to B.C. Wildfire. There are still 192 properties under evacuation order and 969 under evacuation alert.

“Crews have made really good progress over the eastern flank, that’s the portion closest to Osoyoos,” said fire information officer Shaelee Stearns.

Most of the fire’s growth has been away from Osoyoos on the western flank, Stearns said, adding that planned ignitions were conducted along there today and yesterday.

The planned ignitions happened in coordination with Washington state firefighters.

“Machine guards have also been established and crew have made good progress on the north and northeastern flanks as well,” Stearns said.

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The planned ignitions are often conducted along steep terrain where it’s too dangerous for crews to use heavy equipment.

Stearns reminds the public to steer clear of BC Wildfire’s aerial resources as to not hinder operations.

The fire was discovered on July 29. It started on the US side of the border and the cause remains under investigation. There are currently 86 firefighters and eight helicopters assigned to the fire, along with 77 structure protection personnel and 16 pieces of heavy equipment.

Highway 3 remains closed for 6.8 kilometres between Old Richter Pass Road and Lambert Court, according to Drive BC. 

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