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Keremeos Creek fire burns southwest of Penticton

Lone Sheep Publishing
By Lone Sheep Publishing
August 2nd, 2022

The Keremeos Creek fire has grown to more than 2,700 hectares BC Wildfire Service said on its website Sunday.

BC Wildfire Service said the size of the wildfire, located approximately 21 kilometers southwest of Penticton, is  estimated to be 2790 hectares as of 4 p.m. August 1.

BC Wildfire Service said crews and Structure Protection are assigned to overnight on the fire.

“Structural Protection has deployed resources on homes and infrastructure as needed and triaging additional sites should continued work be required,” the BC Wildfire Service website said.

“Crews are actively building contingency lines on the south side of the ravine on Sheep Creek Road. Crews are building hand lines at the south of Green Mountain Road over to Highway 3. And crews are also working along Green Mountain Road.

BC Wildfire Service said weather is slightly cooler today and forecasted to continue to be cool over the next few days.

“With the inversion, and cooler temps for the next two to three days crews will be using these conditions to their advantage,” BC Wildfire Service said.

“Fire growth is in steep and inaccessible terrain. Crews are building contingency lines, while continuing to concentrate their efforts on areas impacting residents; supporting Structure Protection.”

An Evacuation Order is in effect.

BC Wildfire Service has worked with the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen, Penticton Indian Band, Lower Similkameen Indian Band and Okanagan Nation Alliance to provide information to keep residents safe.

Recommendations for Evacuation Orders and Alerts are based on current and forecasted conditions to proactively keep people safe, and so BCWS can actively work the fire. For more information about Evacuation Orders and Alerts go to: Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen and/or Penticton Indian Band.

Currently there are 144 firefighters battling the blaze with the assistance of nine helicopters and four pieces of heavy equipment.

BC Wildfire Service said much of the wildfire is located in terrain that is inoperable for air tanker and heavy machinery support; however, the fire has moved into an area to the west that is accessible to be worked using heavy equipment.

BC Wildfire Service said heavy equipment is being used to build line in Sheep Creek, protecting values.

BC Wildfire Service said contingency lines are being evaluated for implementation in conjunction with First Nations and external partners.

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