Lyonel Doherty

Times-Chronicle

Last night’s winds resulted in some growth in the north and south flanks of the Nk’Mip Creek fire.

This resulted in more evacuation orders on Rancher Creek Road in Osoyoos as the wind drove the fire down the mountain above Spirit Ridge.

BC Wildfire Service information officer Noelle Kekula told the Times-Chronicle that heavy smoke has prevented them from getting an accurate size of the fire, which still stands at approximately 2,000 hectares. The size will likely increase due to Wednesday’s fire behaviour.

Crews were concerned about Shrike Hill east of Oliver yesterday as the fire was encroaching on that area. However, structural protection personnel were able to set up water sprinklers on individual properties.

The Times-Chronicle is awaiting an update on how last night’s wind impacted fire suppression efforts in the community.

Kekula said today’s objectives are to continue building and reinforcing guards and protecting property.

Yesterday, the Oliver Fire Department were called to assist BC Wildfire as they conducted some controlled back-burn operations off Nk’Mip Road at the north end of Osoyoos Lake. This was done to reduce the fuel load in the area. Local firefighters were utilized to ensure the fire did not stray from the burn area.

Mike Campol, chief operating officer of the Osoyoos Indian Band Development Corporation, said that Spirit Ridge and residences of Spirit Ridge are back on evacuation order due to shifting winds that brought the fire back down the mountain Wednesday night.

He noted that NK’MIP Campground and RV Park remains on evacuation alert.

Last night the OIB also issued evacuation orders for residences at 2000 Valleyview Drive, 600 Rancher Creek Road, Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre, Sonora Dunes Golf Course and Nk’Mip Winery.

Speaking over the drone of a helicopter Thursday morning, Campol said today’s objectives are to hold the fire line and set up perimeters.

Campol heaped much praise on BC Wildfire crews and Osoyoos Fire Rescue for devising a plan at 11 p.m. last night to hold back the encroaching fire.

“They were unbelievable. It was the most impressive thing that I’ve ever seen.”

Campol added that Osoyoos’s new fire chief Corey Kortmeyer has been “phenomenal” during  the crisis.

Over on Anarchist Mountain, fire crews are constantly monitoring for threats.

Brenda Arychuk, information officer for the Anarchist Mountain Fire Department, said all structures and properties are still safe and structural protection units are making their rounds to addresses hazards.

“There are lot of skilled firefighters on the mountain, so we are in very capable hands.”

Arychuk said the wind shifted last night and brought more smoke and ash on the mountain.

On Thursday morning the fire department posted that the fire had crept up the northwest side of the mountain and that fire crews were on scene.

She noted that Oliver/Osoyoos Search & Rescue has tirelessly been doing multiple days of evacuation alerts and orders to affected residents.

“We ask that residents do not remove the coloured tape that has been placed on a home or gate – this helps emergency service personnel know if a household has been notified of the alert or order.”

Arychuk said that evacuated resident are reminded not to attempt to return home during the order.

(Photo by Gary Price)

A BC Wildfire back-burn north of Osoyoos.
(Oliver Fire Department photo)

Oliver Osoyoos Search and Rescue has spent days (back-to-back shifts) doing evacuation alerts and orders all throughout the fire zone.
(Photo contributed)