No change in evacuation orders, alerts for fire on west side of Okanagan Lake

Evacuation orders and alerts for 2223 properties and 425 properties respectively, in the Quilpituk Creek Wildfire area, will continue as the blaze covers 742 hectares. The BC Wildfire Service lists the fire as out of control, but it is spreading upslope and northwest, away from communities.

Crews worked through the night using night vision technology to cool hot spots and limit growth. Today, firefighters, heavy equipment, and aircraft will focus on building and strengthening control lines, removing hazardous trees, and directly attacking the fire's edges. Fire activity is currently low to moderate, with smoldering and surface fire behavior.

Officials emphasized that evacuation orders will persist until the areas are deemed safe for residents to return. This includes addressing hazards such as damaged utilities, unstable trees, and unsafe road conditions. Warm temperatures and changing conditions are expected in the coming days, which could increase fire activity.

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We know residents want to return home, and we want that too. Evacuation orders will remain in place until it is safe to return, including addressing hazards such as damaged utilities, hazard trees and unsafe road conditions.