Little overnight growth on Eagle Bluff wildfire in South Okanagan

PENTICTON – B.C. Wildfire firefighters continue to battle the Eagle Bluff wildfire north of Oliver this morning challenged by hot weather and steep terrain.

The interface fire, which broke out Sunday evening, Aug. 4, is estimated at 280 hectares this morning, Aug. 6, according to B.C.Wildfire fire information officer Mattie Smith. She said there was little growth in the fire overnight, which is classified as out of control at this time.

An evacuation alert is in effect for 42 parcels and 206 properties in the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen Area C and the Osoyoos Indian Band. The properties include RV parks, residential homes, mobile home parks and recreational campsites. 

A list of parcels under the evacuation alert can be found here.

No cause for the fire has been established.

B.C. Wildfire said structure protection specialists were on site yesterday to assess residences in the evacuation alert area and structure protection units were deployed to the scene as well.

The fire is burning in steep, rocky terrain, presenting an additional challenge to the 100 ground personnel assigned to the fire, B.C Wildfire said. Daytime temperatures in the area could reach the mid-30s today with winds from the north reaching 20 km/h.

An air quality statement has been issued by Environment Canada for the South Okanagan, including Summerland, Naramata, Penticton, Keremeos, Oliver and Osoyoos.

Ground crews are operating 24 hours a day. Air support provided a line of fire retardant line along the fire's eastern boundary late yesterday with additional air support available today.

B.C. Wildfire is expected to establish an incident management team sometime today.

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