Lyonel Doherty

Times-Chronicle

BC Wildfire Service officials suspect that the Nk’Mip Creek fire was human caused.

During a fire update presentation on Thursday, information officer Mike McCulley said it hasn’t been confirmed but they think this fire was caused by humans.

He said a wildfire is either caused by lightning or humans, but they believe this one was the latter. However, he did not elaborate since the investigation is ongoing.

In his update, McCulley said the winds and steep terrain are making the Nk Mip Creek fire very challenging for crews.

“It’s extremely dangerous work,” McCulley said, noting how crucial it is to have a first aid medic on site.

The officer said the fire continues to challenge them on the northwest flank. He reported the smoke is making it difficult to operate aircraft, but they have been able to lay some retardant lines.

Imagine building hand guards during this heat? That’s what crews have been doing when the topography is too steep to use machinery.

McCulley also said they are very cognizant of water conservation during this fire fight, noting they aren’t just using as much water as possible.

The officer praised the work of structural protection units from various fire departments, many of which have been working in the Mt. Baldy area.

The Nk-Mip Creek fire is currently sized at 17,500 hectares and still classified as out of control.

McCulley added they expect the wind to persist for a few more days, which will cause an increase in fire behaviour that will challenge guard lines.

There are currently 230 firefighters working on this fire with the help of 39 pieces of heavy equipment and eight helicopters.

During question period, McCulley said they have initial attack crews on standby for any new fires that happen to start in the Penticton fire zone.

In his update on the Thomas Creek fire, McCulley said their crews are working side by side with the Canadian Armed Forces and are making good progress.

As for the 12-hectare Garrison Lakes fire in Manning Park, information officer Bryan Zandberg said it has been “pretty quiet” in that area where “a lot of progress” has been made. But he added they are “not out of the woods yet.”