The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) says more significant growth has been observed on the Crater Creek wildfire southwest of Keremeos.
The fire is now estimated at 41,000 hectares, up from the 37,000-hectare size estimate provided on Saturday.
“This wildfire has crossed the Canada - United States Border. We are working with our US partners in the response to this wildfire,” says the BCWS.
Structure protection resources were on site overnight Saturday and conducted patrols across the perimeter of the fire.
Rank two and three behaviour is being observed, which means it is moving between a low viguor surface fire with a slower rate of speed and a moderately moving fire with an organized flame front.
Growth overnight on Saturday was mainly along the west flank of the fire, which is furthest from Keremeos.
The BCWS says minimal growth has been observed on the north and east flanks and certain parts of the fire have moved into a previous burn from 2018 and no growth is expected in those areas.
On Sunday, “crews are working on establishing guard along the west side of the Ashnola drainage,” says the BCWS.
“They will be working off those guards to apply water to the blackened edge of the fire to reduce the likelihood of future spread.”
Existing evacuation orders and alerts remain in place. More details on those can be found on the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen website or via the RDOS’s interactive map.
Sunday Aug 20, 2023 the Penticton Emergency Reception Centre will be open at 9 am at 120 Green Ave, Penticton at Princess Margaret Secondary School. Provides ESS service to all BC residents under Evac Order. pic.twitter.com/3PEEdRlE9P
— Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (@RDOSinfo) August 20, 2023
During the ongoing wildfire fight, the RDOS sys it recognizes people’s need to help and offer donations, which is greatly appreciated but cannot be accepted at this time.
“Emergency Reception Centres in the RDOS do not have the capacity to accept or distribute donations or direct volunteers,” says a release.
“Please do not bring donations to Reception Centres or come on site to volunteer.”
Although people want to help, volunteers with ESS go through very specific training for emergency situations.
People can donate to the animal lifeline emergency response team, South Okanagan Similkameen Volunteer Centre and drop off donations at their local food bank of Salvation Army.
More details on those organizations can be found here.
