Update: ‘Minimal growth’ on Okanagan wildfire
Update 10:30 a.m.
The B.C. Wildfire Service said there was minimal growth overnight on the the Eagle Bluff Wildfire between Okanagan Falls and Oliver.
The fire is at 280 hectares, up from the earlier 225, but the Service said the increase is largely due to more accurate mapping.
Eighty firefighters are on the site today with support from helicopter and air tankers if needed.
Two-hundred-and-six properties remain on evacuation alert.
UPDATE: The Eagle Bluff Wildfire is ~280 ha. There was minimal growth overnight, the size update is largely due to more accurate mapping. 80 firefighters will be on site today assisted by helicopters. Airtanker support is available as required. More info: https://t.co/lcp78UXToS pic.twitter.com/o8Vdhejdmc
— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) August 6, 2019
Aug. 6 Update 5 a.m.
The Eagle Bluff fire between Okanagan Falls and Oliver was 225 hectares as of Sunday night.
Airtankers on the site Sunday evening dropped retardant along the east flank to limit the potential for overnight growth.
Twenty personnel were working through the night.
More information here: (link: http://ow.ly/UFHt30piwhY) ow.ly/UFHt30piwhY #BCWildfire
Update 4:30 p.m.
The Eagle Bluff Fire is now listed at 200 hectares.
The following is information from the B.C. Wildfire Service:
The size estimate has been updated to 200 hectares. Aerial resources have provided more accurate information.
100 personnel have been assigned to the incident and will arrive on site throughout the day. Two water tenders are also on site today. Crews will be operating 24 hours a day until further notice.
An Incident Management Team (IMT) has been mobilized and are due to be established on site by August 6.
A Structure Protection Specialist is on scene and will be assessing residences in the evacuation alert area. Structure Protection Units have been deployed to the incident as well.
Resources are continually challenged by the steep and rocky terrain in the area and site safety is a priority.
Eight helicopters as well as airtankers are continuing to support ground crews. Additional air support will be available throughout the day, as required.
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Update 12 p.m.
One hundred personnel, six helicopters and two water tenders have been assigned to the Eagle Bluff fire, located halfway between Okanagan Falls and Oliver.
The fire size is listed at 120 hectares.
That’s the latest information on the Eagle Bluff Fire from the B.C. Wildfire Service.
For additional updates, see the Wildfire of Note page here: (link: http://ow.ly/uXcm30pixnM) ow.ly/uXcm30pixnM #BCWildfire (Vernon Matters Staff)
Original story (CP)
VANCOUVER – A wildfire discovered Sunday evening north of Oliver, B.C., in the district of Okanagan-Similkameen has prompted an evacuation alert for several properties and the Osoyoos Indian Band.
The regional district is advising residents to take proactive measures to prepare for an evacuation order in case the blaze, dubbed the Eagle Bluff fire, grows.
Fire information officer Hannah Swift says the fire is estimated at 1.2 square kilometres in size, but crews have not been able to see its full eastern flank due to smoke and power lines in the area that pose a challenge to aircraft.
Swift says the fire could spread quickly, fuelled by hot and dry conditions as well as dried-out sage and grass that can ignite in a flash.
Six helicopters have been assigned to support crew on the ground, and Swift says they face steep and rocky terrain and temperatures up to 35 C.
There are 22 personnel fighting the fire, with an additional 80 arriving throughout Monday from across the province.
Swift says the suspected cause of the fire is human activity and it’s under investigation.
The Canadian Press