The Quilpituk Creek wildfire along Westside Road continues to burn on Tuesday morning, Aug. 4.
On Monday, the blaze experienced significant growth, said BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) on Monday night. BCWS, along with crews from all Central Okanagan fire departments, has been battling the blaze, which currently sits at an estimated 565 hectares in size.
Throughout the night and into Tuesday morning, BCWS’s night vision systems worked to continue to tank hot spots, cool more active sections of the fire, and minimize further spread. Structure protection crews also remain on scene.
The growth observed on Monday was to the northwest, upslope, and away from community areas. Fire crews worked to create a 10-foot edge on the eastern flank, also working to assess danger trees and continue falling work.
All evacuation alerts and orders issued as a result of the fire remain in place. Currently, 2,223 properties are on evacuation order while another 425 are on evacuation alert.
Overnight stays for evacuees have been set-up at Royal LePage Place Arena and at the Westbank First Nation gym.
Westside Road is still closed going north from Caesars Landing.
Residents noticing fire activity outside of expected or designated areas are asked to report it by calling *5555 or dialing 911 for fires within city limits.
The Quilpituk Creek wildfire is currently one of 120 active wildfires in the province.