New wildfire between Oliver and Okanagan Falls, B.C., prompts evacuation alert
As of Monday afternoon, the fire had grown to 225 hectares
Fire crews have been dispatched to a new wildfire located halfway between Oliver, B.C., and Okanagan Falls.
The B.C. Wildfire Service says about 100 personnel, eight helicopters and two water tenders have been assigned to the Eagle Bluff fire.
As of Monday afternoon, the fire had grown to 225 hectares.
Evacuation alert
The new wildfire sparked an evacuation alert for the Regional District of the Okanagan-Similkameen for electoral area C, and for the Osoyoos Indian Band.
The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen said several properties are impacted by the alert and additional properties may be affected.
"We do have a structure protection specialist on scene and he is assessing residents in the alert area," said Taylor MacDonald, a fire information officer with the B.C. Wildfire Service.
In the interest of public safety and at the request of the wildfire service, Fortis B.C. says it has de-energized three transmission lines between Oliver and Penticton.
"There are no customers impacted at this time," said Jas Baweja, a corporate communications specialist with Fortis B.C.
The manager of emergency services for the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen is asking everyone in the area to be extremely cautious.
"Ensuring you aren't smoking in no-smoking areas," said Sean Vaisler. "Ensuring if you have any campfires to follow the rules that have been issued by the province," he said.
The B.C. Wildfire Service says the fire hazard in the southern Interior is moderate to high, but temperatures this week are expected to hit the mid-30s, which could increase the fire danger.
"We are expecting to see some warmer and drier temperatures in the next few days so we'll see how that plays out," said MacDonald.
With files from Michelle Ghoussoub