Lyonel Doherty

Times-Chronicle Staff

An expanded evacuation order for Area A prompted rural Osoyoos director Mark Pendergraft to leave today’s regional district meeting early to rush home and pack up his belongings.

That was one of several updates presented during an impromptu media briefing held in a park in Penticton this afternoon.

Communications coordinator Erick Thompson led the briefing, saying the Nk’Mip Creek fire was still mapped at 2,000 hectares but noted there was significant growth on the northeast and south perimeters. He said an accurate size has been difficult to nail down due to the smoke.

He stated there are three aircraft and 67 personnel actioning the fire, which has damaged some power lines. He reminded people to stay away from the fire zone, including boaters on Osoyoos Lake where aircraft are picking up water.

On behalf of Osoyoos Mayor Sue McKortoff, Thompson relayed her sentiments by commending all emergency response teams working very hard in the area.

McKortoff clarified that she is not advising all tourists to return home. She is saying that evacuated tourists should return home because all local accommodations are full.
“Any tourist who is here and is not evacuated is welcome to stay and enjoy their holiday,” she stated.

Oliver Mayor Martin Johansen said it would be ideal if evacuees stayed with family and friends because Oliver does not have the capacity to accommodate everyone.

Thompson said that Anarchist Mountain Fire Department and all local fire departments have been working very hard in the field to protect their communities.

Dawn Russell from the Osoyoos Indian Band encouraged everyone to abide by the evacuation orders and local road closures.