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Aggressive fire spreading

UPDATED: 7:15 P.M.

The fire has now grown to approximately 90 hectares and continues to burn aggressively. The B.C. Wildfire Management Branch is in talks with American fire crews to determine how to best deal with the blaze. 

Fire crews have yet to make contact with the fire, due to the steep terrain. There are no buildings near the fire, as it is burning in a remote location.


ORIGINAL: 3:52 P.M.

A “vigorously and aggressively” burning fire has been spotted approximately 35 kilometres west of Osoyoos in the Cathedral Provincial Park area.

The fire is currently 30 hectares in size and growing rapidly. It is burning on both the Canadian and American side of the border. It was first reported about 1 p.m. today.

“They’re seeing Rank 5 fire behaviour,” Melissa Klassen, fire information officer, said.  “Organized crown fire, fully engulfing from the stem of the tree up to the top.”

The B.C. Wildfire Service website states Rank 5 fires are “very difficult to control.”

American fire crews have sent a scout plane to determine whose jurisdiction the fire falls in, according to Megan Kephart, dispatch co-ordinator for the Central Washington Interagency Communications Center in East Wenatchee.

It is believed lightning caused the blaze.

Fire crews have also reported spotting from the wildfire, in which embers jump ahead of the fire and ignite other parts of the forest.

Klassen said because of the steep terrain where the fire is burning, fire crews are unable to access it safely. This includes water bombers, due to obstructed flight paths and visibility issues.

“Currently, we’re monitoring it and seeing what happens,” said Klassen. “There are some natural features in the area … where there isn’t any fuel, so we’re hoping that with those natural barriers in place, it’ll slow down a bit.”



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