Several Okanagan, Similkameen wildfires grew over weekend; few properties threatened
PENTICTON – Five wildfires of note continue to burn in the Okanagan and Similkameen valleys following a weekend of extreme heat in the region.
Several wildfires have grown considerably, but so far, few homes or other structures are under threat.
The Snowy Mountain wildfire, around 14 km south of Keremeos, increased significantly in size over the weekend, growing to 1,910 ha and prompting an evacuation alert for two homes. B.C. Wildfire has 20 firefighters and three helicopters working the blaze, which remains zero per cent contained.
The Placer Mountain wildfire continues to burn approximately 37 km south of Princeton and now sits at 1,017 ha. The fire has resulted in an evacuation alert placed on Cathedral Lake Lodge, and a restriction order was placed for Crown land in the vicinity of Placer Lake to protect public and firefighting personnel safety. The fire is zero per cent contained, but is not considered an interface fire.
The Mount Eneas wildfire, about four kilometres south of Peachland, is now classified as under control but firefighters battled extreme heat as temperatures on site reached 42 Celsius yesterday, July 29. All evacuation alerts have been rescinded on the blaze, which is considered an interface fire.
The Goode’s Creek wildfire on Okanagan Mountain is now 1,370 ha in size and considered out of control. Crews are working the interface fire’s southern flank.
B.C. Wildfire says helicopter and skimmer operations are being hampered by boaters on Okanagan Lake who are getting too close to wildfire operations.
The Glenfir Road wildfire continues to burn 10 km northwest of Naramata and is now 100 ha in size. Increased smoke and activity was visible from the nearby Frederick Creek wildfire. The Glenfir Road fire is classified as out of control, but B.C. Wildfire says there are no properties at risk at this time.
More information:
Go here for the latest evacuation orders and alerts from the District of Summerland.
For the latest on road closures go to the Drive B.C. website here.
For the latest information on air quality go here.
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