[Kamloops Fire District] 8/15/2015 12:08 AM
KAMLOOPS -- Due to strong downslope winds and dry conditions, two fast-moving wildfires prompted evacuation orders and alerts were issued Friday evening in Oliver.
- The Wilson's Mountain Road fire is burning one kilometre north of Oliver and is now estimated at 90 hectares in size. BC Wildfire Service crews are working closely with local fire departments to protect structures in the area and slow the fire's spread.
- The Testalinden Creek wildfire is burning approximately seven kilometres south of Oliver and is now estimated at over 750 hectares in size. This wind-driven wildfire is burning in grass, sage and open timber. There are also highway closures in effect. Please visit www.drivebc.ca for more information.
The BC Wildfire Service is responding with nearly 50 personnel and several more resources are en route to assist. Helicopters supported ground crews; however, airtankers could not action these fires due to poor weather conditions this evening. Local fire department personnel are also on site. Firefighters remain on site overnight. The top priorities are to ensure firefighter and public safety and to protect structures in the area.
The cause of these fires remains under investigation.
BC Wildfire Service officials recommended the evacuation orders and alerts to the Regional District of the Okanagan Similkameen. For more information, please visit www.rdos.bc.ca.
To report a wildfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone.
For the latest information on current wildfire activity and burning restrictions, visit: http://www.bcwildfire.ca
You can also follow the latest wildfire news on:
- Twitter at http://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo
- Facebook at http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo
Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect
Fire Centre Bulletin 2506