By Dave Barry

Wildfires

Crews battling wildfires

Aug 5, 2019 | 2:15 PM

KAMLOOPS – While British Columbians celebrated the B.C. Day holiday weekend, provincial wildfire crews were called into action in the Kamloops Fire District.

The Eagle Bluff fire was spotted Sunday approximately 10 kilometres south of Okanagan Falls. The fire was approximately 120 hectares in size by Monday afternoon. By Monday night, the fire was reported to be 225 hectares, and evacuation alerts have been issued for a number of nearby properties. The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen is advising residents to take protective measures to prepare for an evacuation order.

The B.C. Wildfire Service says 100 people have been assigned to fight the fire. They will be assisted by two pieces of heavy equipment. They are expected to work around the clock to prevent the fire from impacting residences in the area.

Six helicopters are headed to support the firefighting efforts and other air support will be available.

In addition an individual who specializes in protecting buildings from wildfires, has been assigned to support homeowners downslope of the fire.

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The fire is located in steep and rocky terrain, making it difficult to control.

Meantime the Richter Mountain wildfire 10 kilometres south of Cawston is showing few signs of activity despite the hot dry weather. The BC Wildfire Service says it is primarily a smoldering ground fire and not producing a lot of smoke.

31 firefighters, a helicopter and two pieces of heavy equipment are fighting the 402 hectare fire.

The blaze was spotted July 24th and is considered active.

With conditions expected to be hot and dry for the next few days, wildfire officials are asking the public to be particularly careful, whether you’re in the back country or just around home.

Environment Canada has issued heat warnings for inland sections of the central and north coasts, as well as the Fraser Canyon. Temperatures within the Kamloops fire centre will be in the low to mid-thirties until the weekend.

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