After a day of cooler temperatures and calm conditions, the Bradley Creek wildfire showed “no significant growth” on B.C. Day, according to BC Wildfire Service (BCWS).
In the latest update from BCWS said crews have been working on the north and south flanks of the blaze to mop up hot spots around homes in community areas. Meanwhile, structure protection and defence crews have continued to extinguish hotspots near homes along Westside Road and have remained onsite conducting roving patrols overnight.
“There continues to be significant Fire Department support overnight to assist with structure protection and structure defence as patrols occur along Irish Creek Road, the Westside Road corridor and in the Highway 97 and St. Anne’s Road area,” said BCWS.
At this time, multiple evacuation orders and alerts remain in place, despite some being downgraded on Monday night. The evacuation orders and alerts have been issued by the Township of Spallumcheen, Regional District of North Okanagan, The Okanagan Indian Band, Splatsin Kukpi7 & Tkwamipla, and Columbia Shuswap Regional District. In total, there are four evacuation orders and five alerts.
The human-caused fire sparked on July 31 and has since grown to an estimated 2,603 hectares in size.
BCWS continues to work alongside the Okanagan Indian Band Fire Department actioning the blaze.
As crews continue to battle the blaze, BCWS reminds residents to stay off Okanagan Lake in wildfire areas.
“As aerial resources continue to respond to wildfires across the province, it’s critical people remember that our aircraft require space to collect water safely and efficiently. Please stay clear of aircraft working in and around the lake,” said BCWS. “If firefighting aircraft are nearby, clear the area immediately and stay near the shore to avoid interfering with operations and to prevent putting responder and public life and safety at risk.”
Westside Road from Highway 97 North to Shelter Cove and Highway 97 from Salmon River Road to the Highway 97A junction remain closed.
The Bradley Creek wildfire is currently one of six wildfires of note in the province and one of 120 active wildfires.