Written by Peter McIntyre
Sunday, 20 July 2014 08:00
A Type 1 Ontario Incident Management team has now assumed command on the Smith Creek fire in West Kelowna. The transition will bring increased support staff to help manage the wildfire which started two days ago.
The team is looking forward to continuing progress and positive
efforts on the suspected human caused fire, which is estimated at 260
hectares and is approximately 30 per cent contained.
Collaboration with the West Kelowna, Peachland, Lake Country and
Kelowna fire departments continues. Personnel from the Wildfire
Management Branch will also continue to support efforts on this fire in
various roles.
Increased fire activity was seen once again Saturday as a result of
unburned fuels igniting within the fire's interior. The fire has not
exceeded guards or retardant lines. Potential for downhill creep exists
this evening as strong winds continue.
The evacuation orders for 1,100 homes and about 2,500 residents are still in effect.
Breaking trees may be noticed within the vicinity of the fire as a
result of these strong winds. Fire fighters may be removed from these
areas of concern for safety reasons. Other methods of suppression will
be tactically considered when safety concerns are present. (more)
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