Crews work to get handle on out of control South Okanagan wildfire

The Keremeos Creek wildfire has grown to 4,250 hectares as crews work to gain control as the cooler weather continues in the South Okanagan.

The previous updated on Aug. 1 measured the fire at 2,790 hectares.

The increase in the wildfire's size was caused by both natural fire and planned ignitions, according to B.C. Wildfire Service.

Planned ignitions took place in the area of Yellow Lake and Sheep Creek yesterday afternoon, Aug. 3, and the targets were met. As a result of the ignitions, debris rolled onto Highway 3A and forced a closure of the highway for 30 minutes between Keremeos and Kaleden.

READ MORE: Cooler weather aiding in suppression of out of control wildfire near Kamloops

Crews worked overnight near the Cedar Creek drainage and contained the fire to the west side of Highway 3A. Rank 4 fire behaviour was reported overnight, as downslope winds exceeded 30 km/h and drove the fire downhill southwards towards Olalla along Highway 3A.

The Olalla Creek Forest Service Road is currently closed as a result of the fire. It's a good idea to check Drive B.C. for the highway's status.

The wind and steep slopes have been the most challenging factors in suppressing the fire.

At Apex Mountain Resort – which under evacuation order – the active wildfire can be seen from a webcam at the top of a chairlift. Another live camera shows snow making machines stationed beside the lodge and pointed toward the fire. They are spraying water to keep the area wet.

The number of firefighters assigned to Keremeos Creek continues to increase with 290 today. Yesterday, Aug. 3 there were 252 firefighters and on Aug. 2 there were 229.

The number of heavy equipment rose substantially from four yesterday to 31, and today there are 12 helicopters on the job – up from 10 yesterday. 

Crews are hoping to benefit from cooler temperatures today, as the forecast for Apex is calling for high of 12 Celsius and a low of -2 C. 

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