UPDATE 2 P.M.
The Goode Creek wildfire burning in Okanagan Mountain Park is still holding at 577 hectares, according to BC Wildfire Service.
There is an expectation that the fire will continue to grow, as it is still out of control, but BC Wildfire representatives say it’s not moving toward Kelowna.
Regular updates as well as a more in-depth document are posted under “Map & Photos” for each of the #BCwildfire that are in the Okanagan Complex on our fire of note page: https://t.co/SHWg4QCq9a Photo shows the steep & rocky terrain crews are working on at the Goode's Creek fire. pic.twitter.com/vSslAXhF7g
— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) July 25, 2018
BC Wildfire representatives say that the challenge with the firefight is that the terrain is extremely steep, rocky terrain with 34 C plus temperature, no shade and direct sun exposure.
What has helped the most thus far is air support in the form of skimmers.
Today’s crews are working on continuing extinguishing hot spots 100 feet in.
There are 49 personnel —33 BC Wildfire and 16 contract firefighters— nine helicopters assigned to the complex.
UPDATE: 9 a.m.
The BC Wildfire Service says the Goode Creek wildfire, 21 kilometres south of Kelowna, is holding at 577 hectares.
The fire is still classified as out-of-control and those nearby can expect to see new columns of smoke today.
“Crews have been working on the east flank and are now pushing to the south flank,” says fire information officer Marla Catherall.
“The fire is working it’s way through the small drainages hitting unburnt fuel and creating columns of smoke. We did have skimmers working last night and this morning to cool the area before moving crews in.”
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ORIGINAL: 5:30 a.m.
The Goode Creek wildfire burning in Okanagan Mountain Park is holding at 577 hectares, according to BC Wildfire Service.
Air support worked the southeast flank of the fire and 33 firefighters were on scene throughout Tuesday, but there were no night crews due to the dangerous terrain.
RELATED: Vehicles, out buildings burned in wildfire near Peachland
Winds were anticipated to gust from 10 to 45 km/hr, which, according to BC Wildfire Service would push the blaze away from Kelowna and structures.
Increased smoke near the Okanagan Mountain Park fire did appear as the week got underway, but it was due to a new smaller fire burning in an area previously untouched by the 2003 fire. Skimmer aircraft were able to quickly knock down that new, small fire.
READ MORE: OKANAGAN FIRES COULD BECOME FIRESTORMS
Although smoke could be seen, it remained within the fire perimeter.
“This fire is burning in an old burn. This makes it less likely to exhibit the extreme fire behavior consistent with big timber fuels,” said the BC Wildfire Service in an earlier update.
“The fire continues to burn up and away from the residences.”
Evacuation alerts for properties along Lakeshore Road were lifted Friday, July 20.
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