As of Monday night, the BC Wildfire Service estimated the fire’s size at 2,790 hectares, nearly seven times the size of Stanley Park. 1:28 Keremeos Creek fire prompts more evacuation orders The fire had an area of only 437 hectares on Sunday evening. Story continues below ad Early Monday morning, residents of more than 200 homes in Apex Mountain Village were ordered to evacuate by the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen. EOC Update: Evacuation Order Issued for Precincts G and I due to Keremeos Creek Fire August 1, 2022 2:00 PM pic.twitter.com/UQ7i7mAAy9 — RDOS EOC (@EmergMgtRDOS) August 1, 2022 By noon, 54 homes on Sheep Creek Road South, north of Olalla and Highway 3A, were added to the list. The evacuation orders are in effect “to protect the health, safety or welfare of a person or to limit damage to property,” the regional district said in its order. The Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen issued an evacuation order for Apex Mountain Village shortly after 8 a.m. Monday. Courtesy: RDOS Already, the Okanagan Similkameen Regional District had issued multiple evacuation notices and an evacuation order for properties near the fire. This includes a property located in the Lower Similkameen Indian Band, Keremeos Forks 12 and 12A Indian Reserve. Trending Stories
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Story continues below ad The City of Penticton’s Emergency Support Services will provide support to those who have been forced to leave their homes. “We advise everyone to follow the order and leave the area immediately and find a safe location,” said Adam Goodwin, ESS Coordinator for the City of Penticton. “Staying with family or friends is an option we would encourage people to use or make other accommodation if you can. This allows us to ensure that we care for those who have no alternatives. Whichever option you choose either come to ESS or give us a call. We want to make sure everyone has all the support and information they need and make sure everyone is safe.” The RDOS issued the order at 8am today and it affects nearly 400 people. 2:29 Evacuation Order in Effect for Apex Mountain Village Due to Aggressive Wildfire Evacuation Order for Apex Mountain Village Due to Aggressive Wildfire Read more: Nohomin Creek Wildfire, near Lytton, BC, grows to 2,364 hectares Story continues below ad The fire in Keremeos creek on Friday. “This morning, the fire is again moderated by an inversion and when it dissipates midday we again expect to see increased fire behavior,” BC Wildfire said. “The weather is slightly chilly today and it is forecast to be cool for the next few days. With the inversion and cooler temperatures for the next two to three days, crews will be using these conditions to their advantage.” Zandberg said there are 144 firefighters working on the blaze and their focus today will ensure people’s property remains protected. There are also some BC hydro lines and critical infrastructure that will be targeted as well.
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In rough terrain, the fire is about 21 kilometers southwest of Penticton and 11 kilometers north of Olaya. It is also about five kilometers southeast of Apex Mountain Resort. The Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen confirmed on Saturday that a building was lost, with an official describing it as a cabin or older building. © 2022 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
