UDPATE 7 p.m.
The Brenda Creek wildfire is still estimated at 400 hectares in size, although the BC Wildfire Service still is reporting aggressive behaviour.
In a news release shortly after 6 p.m., Central Okanagan Emergency Operations said evacuation alerts and orders will be staying in place until further notice.
Residents of the Greater Westside are still being asked to prepare for an extended power outage should the fire impact BC Hydro transmission lines in the area
The utility said earlier this afternoon that the blaze has moved past its lines, but the Westside saw its power flicker twice today.
“BC Hydro advises its crews are doing everything possible to ensure continued electrical supply during the wildfire,” Central Okanagan Emergency Operations said.
The BC Wildfire Service has also uploaded a fire perimeter map for the blaze online that shows West Kelowna’s only link to BC Hydro’s grid running straight through the fire.
The BC Wildfire Service confirmed that their fire perimeters are mapped with considerable accuracy.
UPDATE: 4 p.m.
Headwaters Lake resident Neal Miller says he is worried about the growing Brenda Creek Wildfire, burning roughly six kilometres from his home.
“It is a bit disconcerting. One of the fellows has been there for 40 years up at the lake and he says it is the biggest fire he has seen this close to the lake. So we are all a little concerned about it. The wind was getting strong."
Miller is just one of the 41 properties now on evacuation order.
Just after 3 p.m., the Thompson-Nicola Regional District expanded its evacuation alert area to three rural properties.
In order to assist with BCWS crew operations, road closures are in effect at the following locations:
- Intersection of Trout Creek Forest Service Road and Princeton-Summerland Road
- Intersection of Headwaters Road and Brenda Mine Road
- Intersection of Sunset Road and Highway 97C
The Brenda Creek Wildfire was sparked just south of the Pennask Summit Wednesday afternoon.
In a press release Thursday, the Central Okanagan Emergency Operation Centre says they are working on “advance planning” in case the fire impacts the electrical lines in the area.
Miller believes the power lines, which are the sole link for West Kelowna to BC Hydro's grid, could be in danger.
“Im sure the power lines are stressed already with the amount of current and I believe with the right conditions that power line could go down. Not good," he said.
BC Hydro said Wednesday afternoon the fire has skirted past its lines for now, but electricity has flickered twice in the past hour in the Greater Westside.
UPDATE: 12:30 p.m.
Just six firefighters continue to fight the Brenda Creek wildfire south of the Okanagan Connector Thursday, along with three helicopters.
The fire was sparked just south of the Pennask Summit Wednesday afternoon and it has since grown to an estimated 400 hectares in size.
Forty-one properties around the Headwaters Lakes area remain evacuated, while an evacuation alert remains in effect south of the Okanagan Connector, and includes mostly Crown land around Peachland Lake, Brenda Lake and Macdonald Lake.
Fire information officer Ayden Coray did not know what direction the fire is burning, but said the fire has shown aggressive behaviour overnight and through this morning. She noted that the most up-to-date information she had on the fire was from 10 a.m. Thursday morning.
In a press release Thursday, the Central Okanagan Emergency Operation Centre says they are working on “advance planning” in case the fire impacts the electrical lines in the area. The lines are the only power supply to Peachland, West Kelowna, Westbank First Nation reserves #9 and #10 and areas serviced by BC Hydro within the Central Okanagan West Electoral Area.
“The emergency program reminds all Central Okanagan residents that they should know the risks of potential emergencies, make a plan and prepare grab and go kits in the event they are required to leave their homes for at least 72 hours,” Central Okanagan Emergency Operations said.
Castanet has requests in with the BC Wildfire Service and BC Hydro on information related to the fire's impact on the power lines.
UPDATE: 9:50 a.m.
The Brenda Creek wildfire exhibited "very aggressive fire behaviour" overnight, and it's now grown to an estimated 400 hectares.
There remains 41 properties evacuated due to the fire around the Headwater Lakes area, and an area which includes Peachland Lake is under an evacuation alert.
Ground personnel are now on site working on the fire, and they're being assisted by helicopters.
UPDATE: 9:10 a.m.
The Brenda Creek wildfire burning south of the Okanagan Connector has more than tripled in size to an estimated 250 hectares.
As of Wednesday night, it was listed at 80 hectares by the BC Wildfire Service.
An evacuation order was issued as of 4:30 a.m. for 41 properties in the area.
There are currently six wildfire service personnel responding to the fire, which broke out yesterday, with the assistance of one helicopter. Multiple pieces of heavy equipment are en route.
ORIGINAL: 6:10 a.m.
An evacuation order was issued overnight for 41 properties close to the Brenda Creek wildfire burning south of the Okanagan Connector.
The order was issued by the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameenat 4:30 a.m. for homes in Electoral Area H, due to immediate danger to life and safety.
Central Okanagan Search & Rescue and RCMP were alerting residents to the order.
The Evacuation Order is in effect for 41 properties, found here.
All evacuees are asked to register online with Emergency Support Services.
If you are on vacation in the area, please return home.
Due to a shortage of hotel accommodations, please consider making arrangements to stay with family or friends if possible.
If you require services, please visit the ESS Reception Centre at 199 Ellis Street, Penticton.
For ESS information, please call: 250-486-1890.
If you have pets or livestock that need to be cared for and billeted, please contact Animal Lifeline Emergency Response Team (ALERT) for support: 250-809-7152.
Homes and recreational sites in the area had previously been placed on alert about midnight.
The fire is burning about 40 kilometres from West Kelowna.
There are some cabins in the area, but the greater concern is BC Hydro’s transmission lines that power West Kelowna.
“The Emergency Operation Centre is working with all utilities and agencies including BC Hydro to monitor the wildfire and its potential impact,” said the Central Okanagan Regional District, suggesting residents "prepare in the event the wildfire results in any power outage."
The fire was listed at 80 hectares in size Wednesday night.