02 Aug 2022 | 05:01 AM UTC
Canada: Emergency crews responding to wildfires near Lytton and Penticton in British Columbia as of late Aug. 1 /update 3
Emergency crews responding to wildfires near Lytton and Penticton in British Columbia, Canada, as of late Aug. 1. Evacuations ongoing.
Event
Emergency crews are working to contain two wildfires burning in British Columbia Province as of late Aug. 1. Environment Canada has issued red (highest level on a three-tier scale) heat warnings across southern British Columbia through at least early Aug. 2; hot and dry conditions may hamper firefighting efforts over the coming days. Additional wildfire growth is likely. As of late Aug. 1, the following wildfires continue to cause evacuations and transport disruptions:
Keremeos Creek Fire
The Keremeos Creek Fire is burning approximately 21 km (13 miles) southwest of Penticton in the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen. The fire started July 29 and is approximately 2,790 hectares (6,894 acres) in size. More than 144 personnel are on site battling the blaze. The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen has issued evacuations orders for southern Sheep Creek Road, north of Olalla, and Highway 3A, as well as evacuation alerts for White Lake and Twin Lakes communities, Highway 3A between Green Mountain Road and Olalla, and Olalla east of Highway 3A. For more information on the fire and associated disruptions, click here. At least one structure has been destroyed by the fire.
Nohomin Creek Fire
The Nohomin Creek Fire is approximately 1.7 km (1 mile) northwest of Lytton in the Thompson-Nicola Regional District. The fire, which started July 14, is approximately 3,162 hectares (7,813 acres) in size. More than 79 personnel are on site battling the blaze. Lytton First Nation authorities have issued evacuation orders for the reserves of Nohomeen IR 13, Papyum IRs 27, 27A, Lytton IR 27B, Papyum Graveyard 27C, and Stryen IR 9 west of Stein River. Evacuation alerts are in place for Stryen IR 9 and Lytton IR 9A in Lytton First Nation and for Electoral Area "I" (Blue Sky Country) in Thompson Nicola Regional District. For more information on the fire and associated disruptions, click here. The Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) declared a State of Local Emergency due to the fire July 15. The fire destroyed at least six houses.
Anticipate the status of nearby roads to change over the coming hours and days; authorities could close routes within the wildfire complex and evacuated communities due to fire activity and the needs of response operations. The return of residents could disrupt traffic flows after authorities lift evacuation orders. Low visibility from smoke and possible ashfall could contribute to traffic delays and congestion in the region.
Advice
Heed all evacuation orders. Seek updated information on road conditions if driving in the affected area; road closures and detours will cause increased congestion and delays. Collect essential items - including identification and any important legal and travel documents - in an easily accessible "go-bag." Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged power outages.
Individuals not under evacuation warnings should consider remaining inside well-ventilated, air-conditioned spaces to reduce exposure to smoke. Individuals with chronic respiratory illnesses may be more susceptible to the negative effects of smoke inhalation. Eye irritation is possible; flush irritated eyes with copious amounts of clean water.
