Contributed
UPDATE 1:10 p.m
The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen is hosting a live video update at 2pm to provide information on the Keremeos Creek Wildfire.
The fire prompted evacuation orders and alerts for several properties, including the mountain village of Apex.
A drop-in center has been set up at Princess Margaret Middle School at 120 Green Ave. in Penticton for those who need immediate assistance. It is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. If you need transportation, call 250-490-4231.
If you have an evacuation warning or order, or if you have been displaced from your home, you can self-register with Emergency Support Services online or by calling 250-486-1890.
UPDATE 11:20 a.m
The Keremeos Creek wildfire grew Sunday evening and a new size assessment is expected later today, according to the British Columbia Wildfire Service.
The fire, which forced the evacuation of the mountain village of Apex, was “calmed” by an inversion on Sunday until around 2pm when the blaze spread to its south-west corner.
“The fire is growing and we are waiting for a more accurate size to be released later today,” BCWS said online. “This morning the fire is again moderated by an inversion and as it dissipates at midday we expect to see increased fire behavior again.”
Slightly cooler temperatures on Monday are helping fire crews over the next few days.
The fire is growing in steep and inaccessible terrain, so ground crews are building emergency lines while continuing to focus efforts on areas affecting residents.
There are now 144 wildland firefighters on site, supported by structural protection teams from local fire services across the region. Nine helicopters and four units of heavy equipment are being used.
“Most of the wildfire is located in terrain that cannot be used by air tankers and heavy machinery; however, the fire has moved into an area to the west that is accessible for heavy equipment work. Heavy equipment is being used to build a line in Sheep Creek, protecting the valuables,” BCWS said.
UPDATE 9:10am
Nearly 400 people are expected to be affected by an evacuation order issued Monday morning in the village of Apex Mountain.
The City of Penticton says its Emergency Support Services Center – at Princess Margaret Middle School at 120 Green Avenue – will provide assistance to evacuees.
Emergency officials are suggesting evacuees stay with friends or family if possible to keep hotel capacity free for those who have no alternative.
“No matter which option you choose, either log into ESS or give us a call. We want to make sure everyone has all the support and information they need and make sure everyone is safe,” says Penticton ESS Coordinator Adam Goodwin.
Emergency maintenance services are only available if your primary residence is one of the properties under an evacuation order. ESS can be reached at or by calling 1-800-585-9559.
“It’s our job to make sure all of our neighbors are safe and that they have what they need to get through this stressful time,” Goodwin says.
“As a community we will all do what we can to help and we are extremely grateful to the members of the community who are opening their homes. We do not anticipate any major accommodation issues or undue stress on local room capacity.’
Those wishing to financially support evacuees are encouraged to either make a donation to the Red Cross or drop off gift cards at City Hall during regular hours.
Photo: RDOS
UPDATE 9am
In addition to the evacuation order for Apex Mountain Village, the RDOS has also expanded the evacuation warning area around the Keremeos Creek wildfire.
New addresses on Resolute Road, Highway 3A, Toy Creek Road, Green Mountain Road and more have been added to the evacuation warning area. Affected residents should pack up and be ready to leave immediately.
A list of addresses now under alert can be found here.
UPDATE: 8:15am
An evacuation order has been issued for the Apex Mountain Resort area as the Keremeos Creek Wildfire continues to burn nearby.
The evacuation order was issued at 8 a.m. by the Okanagan-Similkameen Regional District Emergency Operations Center.
Residents should leave the area immediately.
A full list of affected addresses can be found here.
Members of the RCMP and search and rescue teams will be stepping up the action, the RDOS says.
Evacuees can register at the Princess Margaret Secondary School Reception Center in Penticton or online at ess.gov.bc.ca.
Anyone requiring transportation assistance from the evacuation zone or who identifies as having emergency needs is asked to call the RDOS EOC at 250-490-4225
Pet owners who are concerned about their animals can make an appointment with ALERT by calling 250-809-7152.
Photo: David Brooks
The Keremeos Creek wildfire, captured on July 31.
ORIGINAL: 4am
The Keremeos Creek wildfire was active near Highway 3A on Sunday, focusing firefighting efforts in that area, according to the BC Wildfire Service.
In a social media post Sunday afternoon, BCWS said the fire had been relatively quiet over the weekend, but activity had increased in the southwest corner, near the freeway.
“This activity is very visible. Crews and structural protection have focused much of their efforts in the area,” BCWS said.
On Sunday, the city of Penticton said a temporary camp would be set up at the Adidas Sportsplex and Kings Park to house about 100 crews and firefighting equipment.
The city said firefighters have been moving into the camp since Sunday evening.
An incident management team took command of the bushfire response, supported by structure protection personnel, 29 BCWS crew members, eight contract staff, eight helicopters and several pieces of heavy equipment.
“The majority of the wildfire is located in terrain that cannot be used for air tanker and heavy machinery support, but the fire has moved into an area to the west that is accessible for heavy equipment operations,” BCWS said .
“Heavy equipment is being used to build a line at Sheep Creek, protecting valuables.”
BCWS said First Nations and other partners are helping to assess contingency lines.
Apex Mountain Resort’s snow cannons were placed in strategic areas to help form another layer of protection should the wildfire approach the area.
James Schalman, the resort’s general manager, said snowmaking cannons pump water about 150 feet into the air.
“The idea in winter is that the water freezes and falls as snow. But in the summer, it’s one massive sprinkler system,” Schalman said.
The 437-hectare wildfire was discovered on Friday, July 29 and prompted an evacuation order for 25 properties around Ford Lake.
Hundreds more – including the mountain village of Apex – are under evacuation alert.
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