A wildfire burning by Highway 3 and the Old Richter Pass close to the Spotted Lake caused some people in the area to be evacuated.
The cause is currently unknown and the estimated size of the fire is 0.01 HA. At the moment, the fire has caused no damage or injuries.
The Osoyoos Fire Department received a call about the fire at 10:30 a.m. this morning and went to the area with three units (approximately 14 personnel) to assist the BC Wildfire crew.
There were also three helicopters present to assist with fire suppression. The BC forestry line did confirm that the air tankers completed their objectives at the scene.
Osoyoos Fire Chief Corey Kortmeyer said that the area is actually BC Wildfire jurisdiction and they asked his team to help.
“They asked if we would be able to work with them collaboratively to basically go and put some eyes on the fire. And not only put eyes on the fire, but maybe action if need be,” explained Kortmeyer.
The Osoyoos Fire Rescue helped with initial steps to protect the property in the area.
Kortmeyer explained that since the fire was by the highway, there was a risk of it spreading or going through that area. One of the main concerns was to protect any homes and structures at risk.
“The water bombers were successful in fire suppression, and then they used helicopters to really make sure that the fire was out,” said Kortmeyer.
The Osoyoos Fire Rescue left the scene around 2:45 p.m. while the BC Wildfire crew was still managing the situation.
