Lyonel Doherty
Times-Chronicle
BC Wildfire crews are keeping a close eye on Shrike Hill east of Oliver as the Nk’Mip Creek fire continues to pose a risk to that community.
During a regional district media briefing today, Dale Bojahra from BC Wildfire Service said crews have been installing sprinkler systems around those homes to protect them from fire encroachment.
He stated they were concerned last night but fortunately crews were able to keep the fire out of Shrike Hill where there are vulnerable structures.
He noted the fire is still mapped at approximately 2,000 hectares, adding it saw limited growth overnight, allowing “reasonable success” on a number of flanks.
However, the concern now is that winds are expected to pick up this afternoon, which could prove difficult for everyone.
“With any luck we won’t get hit as hard as predicted,” he said.
Bojahra reported they have 37 personnel, five helicopters and 13 pieces of heavy equipment actioning the fire.
During question period, Bojahra said he had not heard of any structures lost to the fire.
He explained that terrain is a challenge for crews who are on rocky ground, rolling hills and in heavy fuel areas.
“This fire is one of the highest priorities in the province at this time.”
Bojahra said that anyone in the evacuation order area shouldn’t be there. He noted that any residents who refuse to leave are placing themselves in great danger and won’t likely be rescued later on if necessary.
“That would put us (our crews) at great risk.”
Bojahra said there haven’t been any issues with boaters on Osoyoos Lake causing problems for aircraft, but he reminded people to stay clear of the lake so that pilots can focus on the fire, not on dodging boaters.
In closing, he said crews have made some great progress on the fire considering how active it is. He cautioned people to be very careful with their activities in the forest because the last thing B.C. needs right now is a new fire.
Osoyoos Mayor Sue McKortoff praised how well both towns, the OIB, the fire departments, Search and Rescue and wildfire crews worked so well together in such a short period of time.
The mayor said tourism is very important to the town, but noted that people who were evacuated from local campgrounds should return to their homes.
“Our first job is to make sure that people are safe.”
She added that people who were planning to visit Osoyoos for a holiday should check before they come here.
“This is a very volatile situation and we don’t want to put people at risk.”
Oliver Mayor Martin Johansen said that Southern Okanagan Secondary School is being used as a staging area for firefighters.
