Penticton wildfire holding steady thanks to cooler weather
Posted September 4, 2021 8:52 pm.
Last Updated September 4, 2021 8:53 pm.
PENTICTON (NEWS 1130) — A fire that has forced 60 properties to be put on an evacuation alert in the Okanagan-Similkameen has not grown on Saturday.
The Hedges Butte fire, about 12 kilometres southwest of Penticton, is holding steady at 236 hectares in size.
Roslyn Johnson with the BC Wildfire Service says the weather has been cooperating.
UPDATE: The Hedges Butte wildfire (K52762), 12 km SW of #Penticton, is estimated at 100 ha. Growth is expected due winds. Airtankers are responding and may use Skaha and Okanagan Lakes. Please remain clear of water-skimming aircraft to prevent interference with operations. pic.twitter.com/fWUZaP5djD
— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) September 4, 2021
“There were cooler temperatures today, lighter winds and we had crews out there on the ground working to extinguish it as well.”
However, even with the better weather, she says the evacuation alert remains in place for nearby properties.
“The alert remains in place, and that’s from the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen and the Penticton Indian Band.”
Read More: Wildfire sparks near Penticton, dry conditions fuel rapid growth
Johnson says that while the cooler weather will stay around for the next few days, there may be a change coming.
“We’re into a cycle of some warmer days, and some cooler days, followed by warmer days. We are into the cycle of potentially increased fire behaviour for a few days and then decreased for a few days.”
