Times-Chronicle Staff

The B.C. government has announced a travel warning in the Interior region as the wildfire situation is expected to worsen over the weekend.

People are being asked not to travel to parts of the region including Armstrong, Spallumcheen, Okanagan Indian Band, Enderby, and the North Okanagan.

A map of areas affected by this is available here: www.EmergencyInfoBC.ca (http://www.emergencyinfobc.ca/)

Increased fire activity is forecasted over the weekend, including significant winds that may move fires quickly.

“The next 72 hours will be critical, and the province is preparing for more evacuation orders and alerts,” say the B.C. government.

“We’re taking this proactive step because we want to ensure people in these communities are able to evacuate if necessary,” says Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “While we are acting out of an abundance of caution, this situation is very serious and could get worse quickly. If you were planning to travel to the area, now is not the time to do so.”

Closer to home, the Nk’Mip Creek wildfire has grown to 17,800 hectares. The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) predicts that weekend weather will cause fire behaviour to increase.

“Crews and equipment are prepared for this shift in winds and increase in fire behaviour and will be ensuring that they have plans for a safe escape from the fire line should the need arise,” the BCWS says. They will also be working to complete and reinforce guard lines prior to the passing of this weather front.

Airtankers are assisting a large contingent of crews who are working in steep, rocky terrain on the northwest flank of the fire, which saw some growth overnight and this morning. These aircraft are used to apply retardant to slow the spread of the fire, which provides more time for ground crews to construct and reinforce guard lines. Guard lines may be reinforced by planned ignition operations in this area today if conditions allow. This work on the northwest flank is being done to keep the fire out of the front country.

Firefirefighters continue to mop up hot spots along the southern fire perimeter.

A mobile task force of structural protection crews and engines will continue to protect assets along McKinney Road, near Mount Baldy and in other areas of the fire.

There are currently 192 firefighters working on the fire, with the help of 39 pieces of heavy machinery and nine helicopters.