Two BC Wildfire Service personnel erect a fence around the fire camp on Maple Avenue in Oliver. Crews are working around the clock on the Testalinda Creek fire, which is still burning aggressively north of Tinhorn Creek. The fire is more than 3,700 hectares and 60 per cent contained. Photo by Lyonel Doherty
Increased wildfire growth in the Testalinda Creek area has prompted the regional district to expand its evacuation alert for some Oliver residents.
Properties along Tinhorn Creek, Old Golf Course Road, West Ave, Cellar Road, Chokecherry Lane, the west side of Sumac Street and portions of Fairview Road and Willowbrook Road are now under evacuation alert.
This is due to aggressive fire behaviour and the potential for strong winds.
Fire information officer Heather Rice said gusty winds pushed the fire north of Tinhorn Creek. So as a precaution, the evacuation alert was expanded.
Rice said residents have been seeing open flame at night due to fire crews’ controlled burning in the Hester Creek drainage area.
“We are slowly burning off volatile fuels.”
She noted the fire is more than 3,700 hectares and 60 per cent contained. More than 200 firefighters are working on the ground assisting 21 heavy equipment operators with building guards. Eleven helicopters are also being utilized.
Rice said firefighter safety is their number one concern, noting they have to keep an eye on fatigue.
Fire crews work two weeks and then are replaced by new personnel.
“It’s long. I look at them at dinner time and they’re tired. But they are young and strong, and they are doing what they love.”
Rice was quick to add that the crews fighting the Testalinda Creek fire are among the best in the world.
Rice noted that this particular fire presents some very challenging terrain, including very steep gullies with a lot of dead wood.
Fire crews are hoping that the forecast for cooler temperatures and possible precipitation rings true.
Fairview Mountain Golf Course is one of many properties under evacuation alert. Director of Golf Brian McDonald admitted that the situation is unnerving, but they are making the best of it.
“At this time it’s business as usual . . . until further notice.”
McDonald said they can see the fire burning on the hill, but staff are trying to remain positive.
The regional district would like residents within the evacuation alert area to be prepared to leave if required. Residents in these areas were to be contacted informing them of steps to take to prepare for potential evacuation.
The total number of homes or properties placed under evacuation alert is now 285.
Residents and agriculturists along the Crown land interface are advised to water interface areas up to three hours each day.
Residents and agriculturists outside the evacuation alert area (within Oliver) are asked to conserve water as much as possible to ensure it is available for firefighting.
Anyone with health concerns related to smoke can visit www.interiorhealth.ca or call 8-1-1 for Health Link BC.
Residents should be prepared for the evacuation order by:
Locating all family members or co-workers and designate a reception centre outside
the evacuation area, should an evacuation be called while separated.
Gathering essential items such as medications, eyeglasses, valuable papers (i.e.
insurance), immediate care needs for dependents and, if you choose, keepsakes
(photographs, etc.). Have these items readily available for quick departure.
Preparing to move any disabled persons and/or children.
Making arrangements to move pets and livestock to a safe area.
Arranging accommodation for your family if possible. In the event of an evacuation,
reception centres will be opened if required.
Monitoring news sources for information on evacuation orders and locations of
reception centres.
By Lyonel Doherty
