Keremeos Creek wildfire surges in size, triggering more evacuation orders

More residents of homes near the Keremeos Creek Wildfire were ordered to evacuate, as the fire surged in size on Monday.

As of Monday night, the BC Wildfire Service estimated the fire at 2,790 hectares in size, almost seven times the size of Stanley Park.

1:28 More than 200 properties in Apex Mountain area ordered to evacuate due to wildfire

The fire was measured at just 437 hectares in size Sunday evening.

Early Monday morning, residents of more than 200 homes in Apex Mountain Village were ordered to evacuate by the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen.

By noon, 54 homes on Sheep Creek Road South, north of Olalla and Highway 3A were added to the list.

The evacuation orders are in place “to protect the health, safety or welfare of a person or to limit damage to property,” the regional district said in its order.

Already, the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen had issued multiple evacuation alerts and an evacuation order for properties in the vicinity of the wildfire. Included in this was one property located on the Lower Similkameen Indian Band lands on Keremeos Forks 12 and 12A Indian Reserve.

The City of Penticton’s Emergency Support Services will provide support to those who have been forced to leave their homes.

“We advise everyone to follow the order and immediately leave the area and to find a safe location,” Adam Goodwin, the ESS co-ordinator for the City of Penticton said in a statement.

“Staying with family or friends is an option that we would encourage people to use or make other accommodations if you can. This allows us to ensure those with no alternatives are taken care of. No matter which option you choose either come into the ESS or call us. We want to make sure everyone has all the support and information they need and ensure everyone is safe.”

The RDOS issued the order at 8 a.m. this morning and it impacts close to 400 people.

2:29 Evacuation order in effect for Apex Mountain Village due to aggressive wildfire

The Keremeos Creek fire on Friday.

“This morning, the fire is again being moderated by an inversion and when it dissipates midday we again expect to see increased fire behaviour,” BC Wildfire said.

“Weather is slightly cooler today and forecasted to continue to be cool over the next few days. With the inversion, and cooler temps for the next two to three days crews will be using these conditions to their advantage.”

Zandberg said there are 144 firefighters working on the blaze and their focus today will ensuring people’s properties remain protected.

There are also some BC hydro lines and critical infrastructure that will be focused on as well.

Located in rugged terrain, the fire is around 21 kilometres southwest of Penticton and 11 kilometres north of Olalla. It’s also around five kilometres southeast of Apex Mountain Resort.

The Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen confirmed Saturday that one building was lost, with an official describing it as a cabin or an older building.