By Times Chronicle Staff
UPDATES
July 14, 6:32 p.m. – BC Wildfire now estimates the size of the wildfire at 2,600 hectares and continues to be categorized as “Out of Control”. On Monday, July 14 ground crews and aerial resources were on site assessing objectives. As a cold front passes through, firefighters are expecting to see elevated winds gusting up to 40-60 km/h “that could increase fire activity throughout the day.” Currently, crews on site are reporting Rank 2 fire behaviour, meaning a low vigour surface fire with a slow rate of spread.
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ORIGINAL
The Placer Creek Wildfire, south of Princeton and approximately 9 km east of Eastgate has now grown to 725 hectares and considered by BC Wildfire Service as “Out of Control”, after first being discovered on July 12 in the early afternoon.
The Placer Creek Wildfire is now 725 hectares in size and has generated smoke that has reached Oliver and Osoyoos.
BC Wildfire Service map
No action was taken on the fire until Sunday evening which saw 23 firefighting personnel, one helicopter and heavy equipment actioning the wildfire.
“Earlier today, the fire was displaying Rank 2-3 behaviour, meaning a low vigour surface fire with a slow to moderate rate of spread. This evening crews are reporting elevated fire behaviour with Rank 5 in some areas, meaning an extremely vigorous surface fire,” said BC Wildfire.
It added that smoke is highly visible from surrounding areas and to motorists travelling along Hwy 3. Smoke was heavy in Osoyoos and Oliver with some ash falling as well.
Smoke from the Placer Creek Wildfire was visible through much of the afternoon in Oliver and Osoyoos but reached a peak around 7-8 p.m.
Firesmoke.ca image
