Fire behaviour is quiet for the Thomas Creek wildfire near Okanagan Falls

Photo: Casey Richardson

Fire activity slows down near Okanagan Falls on Thursday, July 22

The Thomas Creek wildfire is exhibiting “quiet” behaviour, according to an update from BC Wildfire Service on Saturday afternoon.

There was minimal fire growth reported on Friday and the most active part of the fire continues to be on the north flank in heavier timber.

BCWS reported that the fire has now burned into the area of the Christie Mountain Fire from last summer, which may result in decreased fire behaviour in that area due to a reduction in available fuel.

Forty-five firefighters and 34 support staff are assigned to this fire, including a BCWS Incident Management Team. Crews are being assisted by five helicopters and 14 pieces of heavy equipment.

Solid progress towards containment on the west flank have been made by crews and may begin to demobilize equipment in this area as the risk is reduced in coming days.

Heavy equipment will be used to build contingency guard lines to the east of the fire.

Crews made good progress yesterday in securing and protecting the 201 road between 7 and 9 kilometres. They will continue to work westward.

Temperatures will be warmer in the coming days, expected to be low to mid- 30’s C, which may result in increased fire activity.

Winds will be calmer which could cause poor venting, smokey skies and reduced visibility for aircraft. Smokey and hazy skies are very present through Okanagan Falls and the South Okanagan on Saturday afternoon.

The fire remains at an estimated 6,960 hectares and the fire is still classified as out of control.

Seven hundred four properties remain on evacuation alert from the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen, entering close to two weeks on alert since the fire sparked on July 11. An area restriction is in place.