UPDATE: Okanagan wildfire being held

UPDATE Aug. 4

The Rose Valley Dam fire is being held at 3 hectares in size and fire activity was low Monday.

Crews from West Kelowna Fire Rescue and B.C. Wildfire hit it hard on Sunday from the ground and air.

Twenty-seven firefighters and six skimmers were working on it Monday and a small crew stayed on-site overnight.

It’s not known how it started, but there was no lightning in the area on Sunday.

(Update by Russ Byth)

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UPDATE 9:15 p.m. Aug. 3

Update on Rose Valley Dam fire from West Kelowna fire chief Jason Brolund:

“Despite strong gusty winds this evening (Aug. 2), good progress was made at the Rose Valley Dam Fire. Multiple ground crews from BC Wildfire and WKFR, supported by multiple aircraft knocked the fire back on all flanks. Smouldering hotspots remain, however the fire is not expected to advance overnight.

WKFR crews have now left the fire scene. Crews from the BC Wildfire Service will remain on scene overnight and will deploy again tomorrow [Monday].

We’d like to thank BC Wildfire for their assistance and expertise in fighting this complex fire. The geography of the area as well as the gusty winds and hot weather made this a tough fight for all involved. Teams from multiple agencies worked together in unified command to keep the fire small, prevent it from threatening homes and the drinking water supply for a large portion of our community. We thank the public for the multiple reports to 9-1-1 that helped us pinpoint the fire location and get there quickly.

BC Wildfire will provide updates regarding the fire size. The cause remains under investigation.

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At 2:15 pm this afternoon, West Kelowna Fire Rescue responded to investigate a report of smoke sighted near the Rose Valley Reservoir.

First responding firefighters spotted a growing wildfire burning on the west side of the reservoir (the opposite side from the city). Three engine crews (12 firefighters) from West Kelowna hiked into the fire and began constructing a fire guard. Multiple crews from BC Wildfire Service also responded quickly and joined WKFR firefighters.

Multiple helicopters and fixed wing air tankers from BC Wildfire have arrived and continue to lay down fire retardant to “box-in” the fire as well as bucket water onto active burning areas in support of ground crews.

Crews from BC Wildfire and WKFR are working together to construct a fire guard, secure a water supply and contain the fire. It is expected to remain active well into the evening.

The fire is highly visible and estimated to be less than 5 ha in size. It is burning uphill and to the east, away from populated areas. There are no evacuation orders or alerts in place at this time since the fire is not threatening any homes.

We request that people stay out of the immediate area surrounding the reservoir, to enable firefighters and aircraft to do their jobs safely and effectively. Also, please stay away from helicopters who may be refilling on Okanagan Lake.

At this time the fire does not appear to be affecting the reservoir or water supply. Incident Commanders are working alongside Coty of West Kelowna staff to ensure this remains the case.

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EARLIER

The Rose Valley Dam wildfire fire in West Kelowna is estimated to be three hectares in size.

Three initial attack crews and a 20-person unit crew are responding to the fire, with additional support from aerial resources and the West Kelowna Fire Rescue.

Update: #WestKelowna Fire & Rescue says the fire is highly visible and estimated to be less than 5 ha in size. It is burning uphill and to the east, away from populated areas. There are no evacuation orders or alerts in place at this time, the department says. @GlobalOkanagan

— Shelby Thom (@Shelby_Thom) August 3, 2020