Updated 11:30 a.m. Aug. 6, 2020
Single-lane alternating traffic is moving now on Highway 97 after a wildfire north of Penticton closed the roadway in both directions Thursday morning.
The West Bench fire is being held at a size of one hectare, meaning BC Wildfire does not anticipate the fire to spread further.
There are two initial attack crews and one response officer assisting the Penticton Fire Department on site, according to BC Wildfire.
Updates at www.drivebc.ca
Original story 9:30 a.m. Aug. 6, 2020
Times-Chronicle
A wildfire burning north of Penticton Thursday morning has closed Highway 97 with no anticipated time of reopening.
There is no detour as of 9:30 a.m. according to AIM Roads. The next update on Highway 97 is expected at 11 a.m.
The West Bench fire is currently one hectare in size and out of control at this time, according to the BC Wildfire Service. Provincial firefighters are assisting the Penticton Fire Department.
Currently there is one initial attack crew and one response officer on site with the fire department and three helicopters bucketing on the fire at this time.
A “tactical evacuation” has been issued by the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) for 74 homes due to immediate danger.
“This Tactical Evacuation is in support of first responders that have already been evacuating homes in this area,” states an RDOS press release. “As this is an evolving situation residents should follow the directions of first responders and this list may be updated”
An emergency social services reception centre has been set up at 199 Ellis St. in Penticton, the large blue building across from Cannery Brewing Co.
“More than likely (the fire) will be squished out pretty quickly with no loss of homes,” said Supt. Brian Hunter with the RCMP, while attending an RDOS board meeting.
He said police assisted in successfully evacuating the 74 homes and the golf course at the board meeting Thursday morning, where he was presenting quarterly crime stats.
