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Fire still active

Wildfire activity lessens at Eagle Bluff

Aug 12, 2019 | 10:51 AM

Fire activity has decreased on the Eagle Bluff wildfire 10 kilometres southeast of Okanagan Falls thanks to recent rain and planned ignitions by fire crews.

But the B.C. Wildfire Service says the Okanagan’s biggest wildfire of the season so far is still active and smoke remains visible.

According to a Monday morning update from the wildfire service, conditions were cool again and no significant fire growth occurred.

The fire remains classified as out of control and is mapped at 2,632 hectares.

“While cooler conditions have decreased the amount of visible smoke, please be advised that this is still an active wildfire and smoke could be visible again due to a planned ignition or increase in fire activity,” said a statement on the BC Wildfire Service website. “The fire is still burning actively on the top, but any growth is now predominantly east and northeast.”

An evacuation alert issued by the Regional District of the Okanagan Similkameen and the Osoyoos Indian Band was rescinded on the weekend.

Structural Protection Units and fire department resources were demobilizing Sunday due to decreased risk in the area.

Heavy equipment remained onsite Monday and continued to construct guards in operable areas, while crews secured the line from the planned ignition that occurred at McKinney Road toward the North and established hoselay.

The wildfire service said preparation continues for a planned ignition on the northern flank in the coming days.

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