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Fire near Osoyoos grows, ignition planned

Fire near Osoyoos grows, ignition planned | iNFOnews.ca
A hand ignition is planned for the Richter Creek wildfire, now estimated at 400 ha, later today, May 15, 2019. SUBMITTED/ B.C. Wildfire

PENTICTON – B.C Wildfire reports this morning the Richter Pass wildfire continues to burn out of control.

The Richter Creek fire grew to 400 ha yesterday andheavy equipment and personnel worked overnight to construct guard.

The blaze began Monday afternoon approximately 12 km west of Osoyoos after a vehicle fire spread to nearby grass.

Fire information officer Nicole Bonnett says rain that fell in the area yesterday had little effect on the fire, which will likely grow this afternoon if a planned 160 ha ignition of the fire’s north and west flanks takes place today, May 15.

B.C. Wildfire currently has 59 firefighters and four helicopters working the blaze.

While not classified as an interface fire, the blaze resulted in the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen issuing an evacuation alert for a total of 14 properties over the past three days.

An incident management team is making its way to the South Okanagan to take over response to the wildfire today, May 15.

Bonnett cautions residents to keep in mind the potential for fire activity in the region while enjoying outdoor activities this long weekend.

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Steve Arstad

Steve Arstad

I have been looking for news in the South Okanagan - SImilkameen for 20 years, having turned a part time lifelong interest into a full time profession. After five years publishing a local newsletter, several years working as a correspondent / stringer for several local newspapers and seven years as editor of a Similkameen weekly newspaper, I joined iNFOnews.ca in 2014. My goal in the news industry has always been to deliver accurate and interesting articles about local people and places. My interest in the profession is life long - from my earliest memories of grade school, I have enjoyed writing.
As an airborne geophysical surveyor I travelled extensively around the globe, conducting helicopter borne mineral surveys.
I also spent several years at an Okanagan Falls based lumber mill, producing glued-wood laminated products.
As a member of the Kaleden community, I have been involved in the Kaleden Volunteer Fire Department for 22 years, and also serve as a trustee on the Kaleden Irrigation District board.
I am currently married to my wife Judy, of 26 years. We are empty-nesters who enjoy living in Kaleden with our Welsh Terrier, Angus, and cat, Tibbs.
Our two daughters, Meagan and Hayley, reside in Richmond and Victoria, respectively.

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