Don’t go near wildfire

Aug 14, 2019 | 10:43 AM

Firefighters battling the Eagle Bluff wildfire 10 kilometers northeast of Oliver don’t want people getting too near.

The BC Wildfire Service has implemented an area restriction order for Crown land in the vicinity of the wildfire “in order to protect public safety and ensure the safety of firefighting personnel.”

While it may seem like nothing is burning, the service warned the fire is still classified out of control.

The area restriction took effect at noon Tuesday and will remain in place until Aug. 30 or until it is rescinded.

A map has been posted on the BC Wildfire Service website showing the geographic boundaries.

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Meanwhile DriveBC advised drivers Wednesday of possible delays on Highway 97 between Oliver and Okanagan Falls due to wildfire activity although the highway was classed as normal.

The Eagle Bluff wildfire remains at 2,632 hectares in size, according to the wildfire service statement.

Depending on weather conditions, planned ignitions could be conducted Wednesday and Thursday on the northeast flank of the fire.

“This will be a low to moderate intensity ignition operation that will bring the fire forward to establish control lines, and the most safe and efficient way for crews to contain the fire spread,” the statement said. “While the fire has put up minimal smoke in the past few days, please be advised smoke will be visible again once the planned ignition takes place.

“Today, crews will continue mop up and patrol, continuing to address hotspots that were discovered in an infrared aerial scan that was conducted on the western flank yesterday. They will also prepare water delivery systems for ignition operations and continue constructing guard.”

Heavy equipment remained in operation to contruct a guard ahead of the planned ignition on the northern flank.

“Crews are taking advantage of the current weather conditions to complete indirect attack line. This means the crews will be building guard in areas where the fire has not yet burned, so that once the planned ignition occurs the fire can be brought toward a control line on their own terms.”

Under the area restriction order and Section 11(2) of the Wildfire Act, a person must not remain in or enter the restricted area without the prior written authorization of an official designated for the purposes of the Wildfire Act, unless the person enters the area only in the course of:

*travelling to or from his or her principle residence that is not under an evacuation order;

* travelling to or from leased property for the purposes of accessing a secondary residence or recreational property that is not under an evacuation order;

* travelling as a person acting in an official capacity;

* travelling for the purpose of supporting wildfire suppression activities; and

* engaging and/or participating in agricultural activities pertaining to livestock management on private or leased property.

To report a wildfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone.

by Kate Bouey

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