Photo: Contributed - RDOS

UPDATE: 4:55 P.M.

The recreational areas around Burnell (Sawmill) Lake, Ripley Lake and Madden Lake, to the west of Oliver, have been placed within an expanded Evacuation Order issued earlier today.

The Regional District is asking that people stay away from all Crown Land areas south of Orofino Creek Road in the Burnell (Sawmill) Lake, Ripley Lake and Madden Lake areas.

This expanded area only includes Crown Land recreation sites. No new private homes or properties have been included as a part of this expansion.

UPDATED: 3:03 P.M.

The northern flank of the Testalinden Creek wildfire has moved past Tinhorn Creek into the Reed Creek area, which is due west of downtown Oliver. 

This northern growth has prompted the evacuation of 27 homes by the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen.

"We've seen increased winds coming from the south so that's creating some challenges for us on our north flank of the fire," said Heather Rice, fire information officer.

These strong winds are expected to continue into the night.

There are air skimmers, air tankers, heavy equipment, and over 200 firefighters fighting the blaze.

ORIGINAL: 2:46 P.M.

An evacuation order was put in place for 27 homes in Oliver Friday afternoon, due to aggressive northern growth of the Testalinden Creek wildfire.

The order requires homes along Fairview Road, Old Golf Course Road and Willlowbrook Road to leave their homes immediately.

The Regional Distrcit of Okanagan-Similkameen has set up an Emergency Support Service reception centre at the Oliver Community Centre at 6359 Park Dr.

All residents who have been evacuated are urged by the RDOS to register with the reception centre.

These 27 homes were just placed on an evacuation alert Thursday evening.

The RDOS recommends all evacuees close all windows and doors and shut off all gas and electrical appliances, other than fridges and freezers, before evacuating.

For those requiring transportation assistance with the evacuation, call 250-492-0237. 

The evacuation order does not affect homes that were evacuated due to the Wilsons Mountain fire earlier this month.

The number of homes or properties remaining under evacuation alert due to the Testalinden fire is now 273.