Times-Chronicle Staff
The Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB) has declared a State of Local Emergency in the wake of the Inkaneep Creek fire north of Osoyoos.
Evacuation alerts and orders have been issued as part of the declaration shared by the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen.
Search and Rescue is assisting the RCMP in conducting tactical evacuations for those in immediate risk.
The rapidly growing fire six kilometres north of Osoyoos off Nk’Mip Road is estimated to be 700 hectares in size. A total of 12 personnel remain on site supported by five helicopters. Air tankers have completed their objectives for the day, dropping retardant on the western flank of the fire closest to homes. Personnel will remain on site overnight.
Power was cut on the west flank of the fire so crews could work in the area safely.
Meanwhile, the Oliver Fire Department continues to protect threatened homes in the area. There has been no official report of any structures being burned, and the cause is still uncertain.
