The Thomas Creek Wildfire in the South Okanagan broke out on July 11 and continues burning out of control a week and a half later.
“It was coming over (the ridge),” said Kathy Dagneau. “They hit it very hard with the helicopters and with retardant.”
Dagneau lives on McLean Creek Road, an area that last week was on an evacuation order but is now on an alert as the fire has retreated behind the ridge on the east side of Skaha Lake.
The Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen (RDOS) has 704 properties on an alert as a result of the nearly 7,000 ha blaze.
“We hear the message from B.C. Wildfire Service all the time the conditions can change very, very quickly,” said Erick Thompson, an information officer with the RDOS Emergency Operations Centre.
With most of the fire activity taking place behind the ridge and not overly visible, Thompson said it’s important to remind residents on an alert to remain vigilant.
“If your property is in under an evacuation alert, you need to treat it seriously and have a plan and be ready to leave immediately,” he said.
“Even if you don’t see the fire right outside of your door, if the wind shifts and all of a sudden it moves and jumps there are some concerns.”
According to the B.C. Wildfire Service, fire growth was minimal again on Wednesday but winds are expected to increase through Friday, which may elevate fire behaviour and result in the fire growing.
The Wildfire Service said crews are making steady progress towards containing the flames on the south flank and heavy equipment is being used to build contingency guard lines to the east of the fire.
There are 29 firefighters dedicated to the Thomas Creek wildfire along with five helicopters and 20 pieces of heavy equipment.
The cause remains under investigation.