B.C. wildfires: Testalinden Creek evacuation alert expanded near Oliver
Wildfire has moved north to head of Tinhorn Creek, covering an estimated 3,170 hectares
An evacuation alert for the Testalinden Creek wildfire, which continues to burn seven kilometres south of Oliver, has been expanded to include 285 homes.
Properties along Tinhorn Creek, Old Golf Course Road, West Avenue, Cellar Road, Chokecherry Lane, the west side of Sumac Street and portions of Fairview Road and Willowbrook Road are now under evacuation alert.
In a statement, the Okanagan-Similkameen Regional District said residents in these areas would be contacted shortly informing them of steps to take to prepare for potential evacuation.
The district says the evacuation alert has been expanded because of the potential of increased winds and wildfire growth in the uplands of Kobau Mountain.
Farmers and other people living along the alert area's Crown land interface are still being asked to water interface areas for up to three hours each day.
However, those outside the evacuation alert area are asked to conserve water to make sure it's available for firefighting.
Wildfire growing
The B.C. Wildfire Service says that, due to overnight gusty winds, the Testalinden Creek wildfire has moved north to the head of Tinhorn Creek, to cover an estimated 3,170 hectares.
Some 11 helicopters and 232 personnel continue to fight the wildfire, which is now 60 per cent contained, but smoke from the fire can still be seen in Oliver and along Highway 97.
The service says heavy smoke is also blowing in on southerly winds from wildfires in Washington state, including the Stickpin fire, all of which can hamper firefighting air support.
Interactive South Okanagan-Similkameen wildfires map: Click x to remove legend