Crews make progress as wildfire near Penticton continues to burn, threatening homes

PENTICTON (NEWS 1130) – There’s some progress being made on a large wildfire burning south of Penticton in the Okanagan.

The Christie Mountain fire, last estimated at a size of 2,000 hectares, is burning in what the BC Wildfire Service calls “difficult, rocky sloped terrain,” providing limited access for crews to get in and tackle the blaze.

Fire information officer Nicole Bonnett says wind is a concern.

“We are expecting there to be some stronger forecasted winds out of the south, which likely means it will push the fire, if those winds do come to fruition, back towards town.”

“We do expect to see fire activity pick up — that is the norm, and we’re aware of that happening,” Bonnett says. “We do have the resources that we feel we need on-site right now, but there are additional resources available throughout the province we can bring out should we need them.”

The Christie Mountain wildfire burning in the Okanagan has forced hundreds of people from their homes, with thousands more ready to leave at a moment’s notice. (Courtesy Taylor Mcfadyen)Wind in the area is expected to die off, possibly offering some reprieve to the crews on the ground, however, Meteorologist Russ Lacate says the fire danger rating for the southern Interior remains at extreme.

“Skies will be much smokier today, and then we’re a little more optimistic about that Friday pattern,” he explains, adding there’s more volatility in the forecast to come.

“A gusty southerly wind tomorrow (Friday) morning — that’s not good, but rain is on the way. Friday represents our best chance to get that much-needed wet weather across the Interior.”

Russ says there’s also a chance of thundershowers for the Cariboo and parts of the South Thompson on Thursday, adding they may graze by the northern-most reaches of the Okanagan.

“But the trouble spots in the southern Okanagan remain hot and dry,” he says, adding temperatures are expected to hover around 30 degrees on Thursday.

The Christie Mountain wildfire has forced the evacuation of more than 300 homes. So far, one home has been destroyed by flames.

Thousands of other properties are currently on evacuation alert.

“Everybody that we know, even who wasn’t in the evacuation alert areas, decided to pack up some of their stuff into their cars,” John Goudie, a long-time Penticton resident, says.

Related video: Fast-moving wildfire continues to grow in B.C.’s south Okanagan

Goudie, who has lived in the Penticton area for the past 16 years, tells CityNews everyone is on edge.

“I think a lot of people around here, when the fires spark up like this, they can’t sleep,” he says.

The wildfire broke out Tuesday afternoon on the east side of Skaha Lake, north of Okanagan Falls.

“My own home is on evacuation alert, ” Penticton Mayor John Vassilaki says. “And I was very, very surprised. It gave me a warm feeling in my tummy to see so many South Okanagan and Similkameen not only officials but people that came out to help.”

Crews continue to fight the blaze from the ground and from the air. People in the area are also being asked to stay off the water so air tankers can safely scoop up water.

It’s unclear what sparked the fire.

The Christie Mountain fire is currently the only wildfire listed as “of note” in the Kamloops Fire Centre. Meanwhile, two other significant wildfires — the Doctor Creek and Solomon Mountain fire — are currently burning in the Southeast Fire Centre.

The former is currently about 400 hectares in size and is burning 25 kilometres southwest of Canal Flats. It’s believed lightning sparked the Doctor Creek fire, which has also forced a number of people from their homes.

The Solomon Mountain fire, also sparked by lightning, is only about 17.5 hectares in size and burning four kilometres north of Beaverdell. An evacuation alert for some properties in the fire’s path is in place.

-With files from Martin MacMahon