The evacuation alert for those living near the Testalinden Creek wildfire has been expanded to include more properties.
Residents south of Hester Creek to the west of Highway 97 south of Oliver and Elkink Ranch along Highway 3 east of Osoyoos have been added to the existing evacuation alert for the wildfire. Strong winds, caused by a passing weather system have forced the growth of the fire overnight on Thursday. According to the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS), this new growth in the uplands of Kobau Mountain is not expected to impact homes. The RDOS is expanding the alert as a precaution and want residents to be prepared to leave if required.
Photo Credit: BC Wildfire Service
“Residents in these areas will be contacted shortly informing them of steps to take to prepare for potential evacuation,” said the RDOS in a statement.
The total number of homes or properties placed under evacuation alert due to the Testalinden Creek wildfire is now 168. Residents and agriculturists along the crown land interface are advised to water interface areas up to three hours each day. Residents and agriculturists outside the evacuation alert area south of Oliver are asked to conserve water as much as possible to ensure water is available for firefighting.
The Testalinden Creek wildfire is currently an estimated 2,500 hectares in size and is 50 per cent contained.
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