Expired News - West Kelowna blaze 100 per cent contained but risk remains - The Weather Network
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Officials in British Columbia had warned of "volatile" wildfire conditions over the weekend and that is exactly what occurred, particularly near West Kelowna where the Bear Creek wildfire broke out Sunday evening.

West Kelowna blaze 100 per cent contained but risk remains


Digital writers
theweathernetwork.com

Thursday, August 25, 2016, 4:00 PM - Officials in British Columbia had warned of "volatile" wildfire conditions over the weekend and that is exactly what occurred, particularly near West Kelowna where the Bear Creek wildfire broke out Sunday evening.


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As of Thursday afternoon, the fire is estimated to be 52 hectares in size and 100 per cent contained. Fortunately, favourable conditions recently such as low overnight temperatures and rain have aided crews in monitoring and patrolling the wildfire, according to a Central Okanagan emergency operations news release.

"Due to the hard work done by the BC Wildfire Service and several local fire departments within the Kelowna region, the Bear Creek Wildfire is now 100 per cent contained," the BC Wildfire Service said Thursday. "Today the fire has been primarily rank 1 with pockets of rank 2 which means a smouldering ground fire with some open flame. Smoke will continue to be visible from the fire today as crews continue operations."

WATCH BELOW: Firefighters battle to control Bear Creek Fire in British Columbia

The B.C. Wildfire Service also noted that increasing wind speed and temperatures Thursday might increase fire behaviour.

Officials say in the interest of public safety, the Evacuation Order for 105 properties in Traders Cove and Bear Creek Provincial Park remains in effect. RCMP members were conducting security patrols throughout the evacuation area.

In addition, the Evacuation Alert remains in place and affects approximately 156 properties including the Bear Creek Provincial Park campground, Trader’s Cove subdivision, and properties along Bear Creek Road north of the Parkinson Road intersection including Dougmac, Rose Valley and Petterson Roads.

Another 14 properties in the Pine Point subdivision off Westside Road, north of Traders Cove also remain on Evacuation Alert.

"Those residents should be prepared to leave on short notice should conditions change," says the Central Okanagan Emergency Operations.

B.C. Wildfire Service has air support on site. Boaters on Okanagan Lake were advised to stay away from the fire area in and around Bear Creek.

"People may notice a lot of smoke coming from the active fire area as crews work to fully extinguish the blaze," the statement reads.

SOURCE: Central Okanagan Emergency Operations | BC Wildfire Service

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