Cooler temperatures on Saturday slowed growth of the massive Eagle Bluff Wildfire in the south Okanagan, now estimated at 2,632 hectares in size.
The BC Wildfire Service reports that a planned ignition Saturday night successfully allowed crews to coax the fire southeast toward the control line.
169 personnel backed by heavy equipment were on the ground Saturday, with a 57 member team remaining overnight.
The area’s steep and rocky terrain is a constant challenge for firefighters on the ground.
Helicopters lent support using buckets and belly tanks to cool the area and suppress hot spots.
WATCH: (Aug. 9) Massive blaze near Oliver, B.C. grows
An evacuation alert remains in effect for several properties in the area.
The fire’s cause remains under investigation.
- B.C. Conservative leader pledges not to ‘reopen the abortion debate’
- A look inside the now-sidelined ‘floatel’ meant to house LNG workers near Squamish
- South Surrey restaurant forced to close after suspicious fire, more criminal acts reported
- Canfor to shutter B.C. sawmill, curtail Prince George pulp mill
Comments