Growing Osoyoos-area wildfire puts more properties under evacuation alert
B.C. Wildfire Service says fire broke out Monday and is classed as 'out of control'
An aggressive wildfire burning west of Osoyoos near Highway 3 has charred more than 2.5-square kilometres of bush in barely 12 hours.
The immediate area is sparsely populated but the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen has issued an evacuation alert for 14 properties in nearby, unincorporated Cawston. The district is warning residents to be ready to leave on short notice.
The B.C. Wildfire Service says the fire — called the Richter Creek wildfire — broke out Monday and is classed as "out of control."
The fire, believed to be human-caused, is now estimated to cover approximately four square kilometres.
EOC Update: May 14, 2019 4:30 pm An Evacuation Alert has been issued by the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen Emergency Operations Centre (RDOS EOC) for 13 properties due to the Richter Creek wildfire. <a href="https://t.co/OmzdlpSFTa">https://t.co/OmzdlpSFTa</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BCGovFireInfo</a> <a href="https://t.co/1WkIGIYW1O">pic.twitter.com/1WkIGIYW1O</a>
—@EmergMgtRDOSThe wildfire service reports 40 firefighters assisted by two helicopters are attacking the blaze.
Spokesman Kevin Skrepnek calls it "the fire of most concern" for the wildfire service, as flames burn uphill in steep and rugged terrain.
He says additional crews and resources are being dispatched.
The latest Environment Canada forecast for the region predicts winds of up to 30 km/h, along with lightning and possible showers.
With files from CBC