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.
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An evacuation alert remains in effect for several properties in the area.
The fire’s cause remains under investigation.