The Wallace Yahnke property on Wilson Mountain Road is still a restricted area. The fire burned his home and trailers, but nobody was injured. Photo by Lyonel Doherty
The BC Wildfire Service is happy to report that the Wilson Mountain fire is 100 per cent contained, while the Testalinda Creek fire is 50 per cent contained.
“It’s exciting to finally have that containment (on Wilson Mountain),” said fire information officer Noelle Kekula.
She noted that crews are continuing “burn-out” operations in the Testalinda area, adding that people will see more plumes of smoke today. Gusty winds are expected this afternoon.
Kekula said residents in both areas are still on evacuation alert, and there are still restricted areas that people are not permitted to enter. One such area is the Wallace Yahnke property at 466 Wilson Mountain Road. The fire burned his home and trailers, but no injuries were reported. Yahnke lives in a cave-like dwelling on the property.
The man claims that the fire was started by lightning near his place last Friday night. However, the RCMP have opened an investigation and were looking at suspects that may have caused the blaze.
The grounds of Southern Okanagan Secondary School are hosting a number of tents that forestry crews are using during the wildfires. Crews will soon be transferred to Oliver airport lands where they will take up accommodation. Photo by Lyonel Doherty
