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Thomas Creek wildfire near Okanagan Falls close to 7000 hectares in size

Thomas Creek almost 7K ha

UPDATE: 6:02 p.m.

The Thomas Creek wildfire has grown to an estimated 6,960 hectares, according to an update from BC Wildfire Service.

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen evacuation alert for 704 properties in Electoral Area "D." remains in place, along with the Allendale Lake Resort.

BCWS stated that the protection of life and property along the south flank will continue as the main priority, while they work on a contingency guard to the north and west.

While fire growth was minimal yesterday, an increase in winds on Wednesday may have resulted in elevated fire behaviour and additional fire growth.

A contingency guard is now complete on the southeast flank and crews have made good progress on reinforcing the south flank guard line above properties along the highway, along with defending a wooden bridge at 17 kilometers on the 201 road.

Twenty-nine firefighters and 32 support staff are assigned to this fire, including a BCWS Incident Management Team. Crews are being assisted by five helicopters and 19 pieces of heavy equipment.


UPDATE: 4:50 p.m.

Allendale Lake Resort has been added to the list of properties on evacuation alert due to the Thomas Creek wildfire.

The resort is located at District Lot 2855, Similkameen Division of Yale Land District.

The blaze is estimated at 6558 hectares and is listed as out of control.


ORIGINAL: 11:20 a.m.

Crews made "good progress" on the Thomas Creek wildfire Tuesday, according to a new information release from BC Wildfire Service.

The wildfire, classified as out of control and estimated at 6,558.0 hectares, continues to burn near Okanagan Falls, where 704 properties remain on evacuation alert. It sparked July 11.

"Yesterday, the fire was most active in the heavier timber to the north. A contingency guard is now complete on the southeast flank," reads the update Wednesday morning.

"Crews made good progress yesterday on reinforcing the south flank guard line above properties along the highway. Crews were successful in defending a wooden bridge at 17 kilometres on the 201 road."

An area restriction is in place.



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