More Homes Placed Under Evacuation Alert Near Oliver

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) has expanded the evacuation alert for homes in the Testalinden Creek fire area.

An additional 25 homes are now covered by the alert, bringing the total number of homes affected to 125, including all the homes evacuated Friday night. All residents in the Osoyoos and Oliver areas placed under evacuation alert can now return home but should be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice. All residents and recreational users are asked to remain away from the Kobau Mountain uplands area from Highway 3 to Fairview Road. An area restriction has been put in place on the mountain, and the public is asked to stay away until the fire is entirely out.

The Wilson Mountain fire burning north of Oliver (Photo Credit: BC Wildfire Service)

There are 260 homes under evacuation alert near the Wilson's Mountain fire and at least one structure has been damaged by fire. Some residents in the area are dealing with power outages and can contact FortisBC for more information.

Near the Testalinden fire, there are 125 homes in the Spotted Lake and Kilpoola areas along Highway 3 that remain under evacuation alert. One structure has been damaged because of this fire as well. Residents seeking Emergency Support Services (ESS) can contact the RDOS at 250-492-0237 or toll free 1-877-610-3737 from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm on weekdays.

The Testalinden fire burning south of Oliver (Photo Credit: BC Wildfire Service)

In the event of an evacuation order being issued, all homes in the area affected will be notified immediately. Information will be posted and updated regularly at http://www.rdos.bc.ca/news-events/eoc/current-eoc/.

The Wilson's Mountain fire, located one kilometre north of Oliver, is an estimated 317 hectares in size and is currently 70 per cent contained. The Testalinden fire, located seven kilometres south of Oliver, is 1,600 hectares in size and 40 per cent contained.