Lyonel Doherty
Times-Chronicle
The Wolfcub Creek fire east of Oliver is classified as “held” and not likely to spread under current conditions, according to the BC Wildfire Service.
Fire Information Officer Aydan Coray says the fire is still mapped at 45 hectares.
She reported there are 10 personnel on scene today with air support available if necessary.
“No structures are immediately threatened at this time,” Coray said.
Yesterday, however, one home was damaged by the fire that broke out at approximately 4:30 p.m. east of Oliver on the Osoyoos Indian Band reserve.
Oliver Fire Chief Bob Graham said the house on McKinney Road did not sustain severe structural damage, and nobody was home at the time.
Graham admitted that Sunday afternoon was an intense situation (with strong winds) when the fire started north of Sage Road (off McKinney Road). He noted that trucks were dispatched to protect several at-risk homes in the neighbourhood by putting fire guards around them.
Graham said a number of houses were evacuated from Sage Road.
“It was very intense for a period of time. Everyone worked hard. It was a ‘fantastic save’ and a great team effort.”
The fire chief said if it wasn’t for air support from the BC Wildfire Service, the fire would have spread much farther.
This morning, “everything is under control at this time,” Graham said after patrolling the Sage Road area. “We’re happy with the progress that we’ve made.”
He said the cause is still undetermined but noted there was no lightning before the fire broke out.
Diane Vaykovich, corporate officer for the Town of Oliver, said two evacuees registered at their reception centre. She noted it appears many of the evacuees went to the OIB hall seeking shelter.
A lone tree smoulders today on the hillside above Sage Road where the Wolfcub Creek fire took off on Sunday. The fire is now classified as held.
(Photo by Lyonel Doherty)
