UPDATED: Bradley Creek Wildfire more than doubles in size, crews hope for gains Sunday

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The fire behaviour is largely Rank 2 and Rank 3 meaning low to moderately vigorous surface fire with visible open flame becoming an organized flame front. The agency said they were not anticipating significant growth on the fire today.

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As temperatures warm the air will become more stagnant which is expected to further limit visibility.

Update 2 p.m. Sunday

Because of the potential danger to life and health, the RDNO has issued an Expanded Evacuation Alert for the following areas located in Electoral Area “B”:

(Image Credit: RDNO)

Update 10:34 a.m. Sunday

The still out of control Bradley Creek Wildfire burning around the entire northern tip of Okanagan Lake was measured at over 2,600 hectares Sunday. That is more than double the size from late Saturday.

BC Wildfire Service said wind gusts of 115 km/h at elevation and ones of up to 80 km/h at lower levels Saturday had fanned the flames, causing challenges for air and ground crews.

In addition to the significant wind speeds, two wind shifts brought further challenges.

This resulted in rapid growth to the northeast and the fire has crossed Highway 97 and Highway 97 is now closed.

For up-to-date road conditions please visit DriveBC.ca

There was significant Fire Department support overnight. Both NVIS ( night-vision) groups worked on this fire through the night providing aerial monitoring and conducting tanking operations to support structure protection and structure defense.

The agency said Sunday crews and heavy equipment will be working on the southwest end of the fire in the Bonneau Road and Six Mile Creek Road area. Airtankers and skimmers have been requested to work along the northeast portion of the fire, around Highway 97.

Additional resources will be arriving throughout the day and numbers will be updated later this morning.

Fire crews will be hoping to take advantage of lower temperatures and easing winds Sunday as they continue their battle with the Bradley Creek wildfire at the northern tip of Okanagan Lake.

The entire Okanagan Indian Band residents were evacuated Saturday and large areas to the northwest and northeast are on evacuation alert after strong winds fanned the flames all afternoon.

Update 6 a.m. Sunday

Highway97 north of Vernon remained closed as of Sunday morning.

BCWS Crews and Fire Departments remained onsite overnight conducting patrols for structure protection and structure defense. Both NVIS (night vision) groups worked on the fire through the night providing aerial monitoring and conducting tanking operations.

Map showing evacuation orders (red) and evacuation alerts (yellow)

Crews established guard and extended hoselay for water delivery to the fire’s edge and helicopters were  providing bucketing support.

Westside Road is currently closed between Bench Creek Road and Cortiana Bridge. 

Personnel patrolled the east side of Okanagan Lake Saturday night monitoring for ember transfer and possible spot fires.

Aggressive fire activity into the evening continued to been driven by the significantly elevated winds. A second wind shift in the evening, coming more out of the south resulted in the fire growing to the northeast. The fire has crossed Highway 97 and the Highway is now closed.