Rising temperatures and lower humidity over the next few days mark more challenging conditions from the cooler, more humid weather that kept the Keremeos Creek wildfire stable over the weekend of Aug. 13/14.
“Cooler temperatures and increased humidity reduced fire activity over the weekend, but fire behaviour is expected to increase as the current warming and drying trend continues,” the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) said on Tuesday. The fire remains one of five “Wildfires of Note” and the largest in the province at 6,960 hectares.
The BCWS said it had made progress over the weekend and as a result of suppression efforts, fire activity is no longer a threat to Hwy. 3A. The highway has reopened between Upper Bench Rd and Junction Hwy 97.
As of noon on Tuesday, the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen Emergency Operations Centre (RDOS EOC) rescinded the Evacuation Order for properties at Apex Mountain Village. The village will remain on Evacuation Alert due to a continued threat from the wildfire. Structure Protection personnel continue to remove structure protection systems at Apex Mountain.
The calmer fire situation over the weekend has given way to increased fire activity in the Northwest and Southwest corners of the fire perimeter as higher temperatures and lower humidity take hold from August 16, the BCWS noted.
Weather forecasts are predicting a continuing warming trend for the next couple of days, and lower relative humidity is expected with moderate overnight recoveries. As a result communities near the northwest and southwest corners of the Keremeos Creek wildfire can expect to see increased smoke today (Aug. 16) due to increased fire activity, the BCWS said.
“Crews continue to make progress on containment lines and most sections of the fire remain stable.” The wildfire’s western flank is most active and currently burning in steep, difficult terrain. August 15 saw the most activity in the northwest and southwest corners on steep terrain, the BCWS added.
Ford Lake, Keremeos Creek wildfire, Aug. 16. BCWS photo.
A thermal aerial scan was undertaken using drones on the nights of Aug. 15 and 16 to identify hot spots around the fire perimeter from McKay Creek to Olalla. Once completed, crews will seek and eliminate the remaining hot spots.
From Keremeos Creek Road to Green Mountain Road crews are extinguishing hot spots and removing combustible fuel about eight metres from the fire perimeter, a process known as blacklining. Along Olalla Creek Road and Hwy. 3A crews are patrolling and establishing a 30-metre blackline in from the fire perimeter.
On the eastern portion of the fire, crews continue to patrol and mop up along the fire perimeter between Sheep Creek Road and Highway 3A. Danger Tree Assessors and fallers continue to patrol this area of the fire and ensure areas are safe within the fire perimeter.
The BCWS noted that nearby communities in the Northwest and Southwest can expect to see increased smoke within the fire’s perimeter today (Aug. 16).
“This is common with large wildfires, and smoke will continue to be visible until there is significant rainfall over the fire. Smoke appearing from well within the fire perimeter and burned material is common,” it said.
But it cautioned that smoke rising from green, unburned fuel or from outside of the fire’s perimeter should be reported.
The BCWS also highlighted that the Keremeos Creek Forest Service Road is now closed to ensure the safety of both the public and BC Wildfire Personnel.
“The Keremeos Creek wildfire and Richter Mountain wildfire are active worksites. Before entering any area affected by a wildfire, members of the public should be aware that significant safety hazards may be present.”
It also urged those travelling in a wildfire area, to “slow down, always remain aware of your surroundings, and respect all signage posted along the route”.
There are currently 272 firefighters, 27 Structure Protection personnel, a liaison from Lower Similkameen Indian Band, 15 helicopters and 21 pieces of heavy equipment working on the fire. Resources are being shared between the Keremeos Creek wildfire and the Richter Mountain wildfire which is considered “held” since Sunday.
Contracted firefighting personnel are also used to supplement BC Wildfire Service firefighters for sustained action support. They are used in a variety of scenarios, including mop-up, patrol and other support activities, according to the BCWS.
“Thanks to the efforts of 63 contract fire crew members working on the Keremeos Creek wildfire, large sections of this wildfire will be contained more quickly,” it said.
To report a wildfire or open burning violation, call 1-800-663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone.
