Wildfire update from the RDEK as of Friday August 14th

Good afternoon everyone,
We’ve got quite a bit of information for you… so here it goes:

As you’ve likely been hearing in the news, there has been increased fire activity over the past couple of days in areas to the west of us, including two wildfires of note fires in the South Okanagan, the largest is near Rock Creek and there’s one east of Osoyoos.   The SE Fire Service is also keeping a close eye on a few backcountry fires to our west.  Smoke from these fires has been moving into our area and smoky conditions are expected to continue.

The weather forecast is calling for dry thunder storms with gusty winds this afternoon and then thunder showers and localized heavy rain later tonight.  Although it is already raining in areas, some places could remain dry so depending how much rain comes with this system, it could indicate an increased risk of lightning caused fires.  Let’s do what we can to limit person-caused fires so Forest Service Resources don’t have to be spent unnecessarily.  Person-caused fires are preventable!

Currently, the SE Fire Centre website shows that there are no wildfires of note in our Regional District.  With the weekend coming and, although there is precipitation in the forecast, current conditions are very dry.  The wildfire hazard rating for most of our region ranges from high to extreme and the campfire ban remains in place.  Please be extra cautious if you’re heading out this weekend.  Here’s a link to the BC Wildfire Branch’s website: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/bcwildfire/ which has helpful information about current fire bans and what a campfire ban means.  If you still have questions about the ban or the use of camp stoves, please contact the South East Fire Centre office at:  1-250-365-4040.

If you plan to travel this weekend, please remember that Highway 3 and Highway 33 both remain closed in the Osoyoos and Rock Creek areas north to Beaverdell and all secondary roads in this area are either closed or controlled for local traffic only.  You can get information on the road closures at the DriveBC website: http://www.drivebc.ca/ 

To report a wildfire or open burning violation on Crown or private land, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone.  Within a municipality, please contact the municipality directly for information on fire bans and/or reporting.

Tracy Van de Wiel

Information Officer

250-489-9677