Oliver Fire Evacuations

A forest fire just east of Oliver has prompted the voluntary evacuation of about 15 homes in the area.

BC Forest Service spokesman Dale Bojahra stresses no structures are immediately threatened.

Bojahra says the fire, which started around noon today adjacent to Camp McKinney Road, has grown to about 125 hectares in size, double. Winds are pushing the fire to the southeast, away from Oliver.

At present, three air tanker groups from Penticton, Kamloops and Castlegar have responded. Additional air support is being provided by five helicopters. The BC Forest Service has 26 firefighters on the scene with an additional 60 firefighters en route. The Oliver Fire Department is also assisting.

Camp McKinney Road has been closed at about the seven kilometre mark.

Emergency Social Services has been established at the Oliver Community Centre.