UPDATE: Evacuations rescinded as Eagle Bluff wildfire fight helped by rain, cool weather

OLIVER –  Cooler weather and rain reduced the spread of the Eagle Bluff Wildfire and prompted the cancellation of all evacuation alerts.

The Regional District of the South Okanagan announced that the alert was cancelled as news that the fire was still moving away from communities was released.

The Eagle Bluff wildfire located 10 kilometres southeast of Okanagan Falls grew again overnight Saturday Aug. 10, though cooler temperatures are helping the fire fight.

The fire, which was discovered Aug. 4, is still considered out of control, but conditions for the fire fight are improving.

"Due to cooler temperatures, the Eagle Bluff Wildfire experienced limited growth," BC Wildfire's Aug. 11 update reads.

"A more accurate map of the perimeter has been completed, and the fire is 2,632 hectares in size. 169 personnel responded to the fire today along with heavy equipment, and a 57 personnel team will remain on the fire overnight. A planned ignition occurred successfully yesterday allowing crews to bring the fire southeast toward the control line. Helicopters supported crews on the ground by using buckets and belly tanks to cool the area and suppress hot spots. Resources are continually challenged by the steep and rocky terrain in the area and site safety is a priority. ?"

The Smoky Skies bulletin related to the fire has been expanded to include the entire southeastern BC Interior. The change in the weather has resulted in smoke being advected into more areas.

Environment Canada said it is not clear how much of the smoke is from the Eagle Bluff fire near Oliver, but smoke transport models indicate that smoke from fires in Washington State is moving into BC.

Below is a time-lapse video by B.C. Wildfire of one of the planned ignitions conducted by wildfire specialists.

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