Rain helps wildfire fighting efforts in Kamloops Fire Centre

Some timely rain has helped the B.C. Wildfire Service in its firefighting efforts in the Kamloops Fire Centre.

Fire information officer Madison Smith says most of the region received measurable precipitation yesterday afternoon, Aug. 6, which aided firefighting efforts.

The Dry Lake wildfire, burning 24 kilometres northwest of Princeton, is now classified as under control at 21 hectares.

The fire, believed to have been caused by lightning, is presently being worked by 40 firefighters and nine pieces of heavy equipment. The evacuation alert for 43 properties in the area issued by the regional district was rescinded today, Aug. 7.

The one hectare West Bench wildfire just north of Penticton prompted a tactical evacuation as it threatened nearby homes before it was brought under control late yesterday. Smith says two fire investigators are on scene this morning trying to determine a cause and origin for the fire.

The Solco Creek wildfire, burning east of Okanagan Falls, is now classified as under control at 18.8 ha in size. There are 22 personnel working to mop-up the blaze.


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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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