Don Urquhart
Times-Chronicle
A wildfire burning northeast of Oliver has resulted in one home being burned with 16 more homes evacuated. The fire reportedly started just before 4:30 p.m. Sunday afternoon and is understood to be on Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB) land.
The Oliver Community Hall is the site of the emergency evacuation centre. Photo courtesy of John Hong.
The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) says it is responding to the Wolfcub Creek wildfire (K51423), located approximately five kilometres northeast of Oliver.
The BCWS estimates the fire to be eight hectares in size and is classified as Out of Control. Ground crews are working alongside the Oliver Fire Department and are being assisted with aerial resources.
The cause of the fire is undetermined and structures are in the area but not immediately threatened, the BCWS said in a statement on social media. But Times-Chronicle has learned from Emergency Support Service (ESS) personnel that one home has burned, forcing the evacuation of 16 others.
Some 16 homes were evacuated due to the fire. Photo courtesy of John Hong.
The ESS is currently setting up an emergency centre at the Oliver Parks & Recreation Community Hall.
The Oliver Fire Department has reminded local residents to avoid any areas around the fire off McKinney road as emergency vehicles require access. It also highlighted to be on the lookout for aircraft flying or retrieving water from the lakes. Posts on social media say at least one air tanker and one bucket-equipped helicopter have been actively working on the fire.
According to the Oliver Fire Department, a guard has been laid around the fire with the assistance of BCWS air tankers and helicopters.
Some Oliver fire crews have returned to their hall, and a BC Wildfire ground crew remains on scene.
“Fire activity may be active through the night and smoke may be seen for the remainder of the evening and into the morning,” says the fire department on its Facebook page.
