Lyonel Doherty
Times-Chronicle
Significant growth in the northeast and southern flanks have pushed the Nk’Mip Creek fire to 6,800 hectares.
Fire information officer Dani McIntosh told the Times-Chronicle that BC Wildfire’s objectives today are to continue structure protection and build guards.
She noted there are 73 personnel actioning the fire with four helicopters and 12 pieces of heavy equipment.
The good news is they are anticipating the arrival of 100 firefighters from Mexico on July 25. McIntosh said these firefighters arrived in Canada today.
Weather wise, BC Wildfire is anticipating more winds from the north.
Diane Vaykovich, corporate officer for the Town of Oliver, said the high school will be utilized as a staging area for fire operations (logistics).
“Parks Canada are at the school and they are preparing for the influx of international firefighters,” Vaykovich said.
She noted Parks Canada has been sorting out where to place the firefighters as there is a need for them to have a place to sleep and eat.
On July 22 the Osoyoos Indian Band expanded evacuation orders in Oliver to include Sage Road, Pineridge Drive, Sandpoint Drive and Harmony Crescent.
The regional district confirmed there was significant fire spread to the north towards Camp McKinney Road. Crews continued to work through the night to protect structures and critical infrastructure.
Crews have been working hard to “FireSmart” properties by removing available fuels.
Communications coordinator Erick Thompson said people have been asking about obtaining access permits to temporarily return to their properties for various reasons. But he noted the regional district is not issuing any permits at this time due to the fire’s volatility.
Brenda Arychuk, handling communications for the Anarchist Mountain Fire Department, said crews were “hard at it” Thursday night. She noted that no structures have been affected at this time.
The regional district will host a media briefing today at 2 p.m. to update the public on the fire.
