UPDATE:
The Richter Creek wildfire burning west of Osoyoos is now 100 per cent contained, according to the B.C. Wildfire Service.
Earlier Thursday, the blaze was said to be 80 per cent contained.
On Wednesday, planned burns along the north and west flanks of the fire increased the blaze to an estimated 507 hectares from 400 hectares, but helped burn existing fuels.
“Due to the successful operations yesterday and today, the Richter Creek fire is currently being held,” said the B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS).
“This indicates that sufficient fire suppression action has been taken so that the fire is not likely to spread beyond existing or predetermined boundaries under the prevailing and forecasted conditions.”
BCWS added that the fire is now in workable terrain, and that crews will continue to battle the blaze.
With the wildfire now fully contained, the Regional District of the Okanagan Similkameen announced that its evacuation alert affecting 14 properties in Cawston has been rescinded. The affected properties were along Sumac Road and Highway 3.
ORIGINAL STORY:
Wildfire crews are making progress on the Richter Creek wildfire near Osoyoos.
According to the BC Wildfire Service, the blaze, which consumed 507 hectares, is now 80 per cent contained.
Crews successfully completed planned ignitions on the northwest and south flanks of the fire.
The controlled burn brought the fire down from the steep slopes to the established control line.
As the fire is now in more workable terrain, fire crews will continue with a direct attack of the control lines.
No structures are at risk.
The BC Wildfire Service lists this as a human-caused fire, sparked by a vehicle fire that spread to adjacent grass off Highway 3.
Seventy-five firefighters are attacking the blaze, along with four helicopters.
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