UPDATE: 11:30 a.m.
The Christie Mountain wildfire has grown to an estimated 2,000 hectares, according to an update from BC Wildfire.
Rocky sloped terrain with limited access points created challenges for ground crews yesterday.
Crews and resources were also challenged by visibility issues.
Forecasted winds may pose a challenge this afternoon, according to BC Wildfire’s most recent update. Winds are expected reached between 20-40 kilometres per hour and gusting up to 70 kilometres per hour in the south.
The City of Penticton will hold a press conference regarding the fire at the Penticton Lakeside Resort Conference Centre this afternoon at 1 p.m.
The City of Penticton has also activated a call centre through the Emergency Operations Centre to share accurate and timely information regarding the fire. Residents can reach the call centre by phoning 250-490-2345.
“As the situation continues to be fluid and can change rapidly, residents with questions about the impact of the wildfire in Penticton can reach out to the call centre for help,” said Penticton’s communication manager, Philip Cooper.
Residents affected by the evacuation alert are asked to stay calm and prepare to leave their homes, if required.
Due to the evolving nature of the wildfire situation, the call centre hours may fluctuate outside regular business hours.
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Cooler temperatures and the possibility of rain on Thursday should aid in helping fire crews suppress the Christie Mountain blaze.
The wildfire, located 6 kilometres from Okanagan Falls, remains at an estimated 1,400 hectares in size.
BC Wildfire had 40 personnel, along with two water tenders, on-site overnight.
Wednesday proved to be a challenging day for fire crews as dense smoke and low visibility that made it difficult for air tankers to combat the blaze.
The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) confirmed the loss of one home at 176 Christie Mountain Lane, in Heritage Hills south of Penticton.
An evacuation order was put in place for this residence on Aug. 18, the homeowners have been notified of the loss.
More than 300 homes remain under an evacuation order in the Heritage Hills area south of Penticton in Electoral Area “D” in the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) due to the wildfire.
Evacuation Order for homes in Heritage Hills south of Penticton, BC #BCWildfire pic.twitter.com/Fjx0oYdxJO
— RDOS EOC (@EmergMgtRDOS) August 19, 2020
An evacuation alert continues for the Upper Carmi area which affects 3,669 properties located within the southeast portion of Penticton.
Upper Carmi placed under Evacuation Alert due to Christie Mtn Fire. #BCWildfire pic.twitter.com/ememBo3TPd
— RDOS EOC (@EmergMgtRDOS) August 19, 2020
If your residence has been placed on an evacuation order, you’re asked to register at ess.gove.bc.ca or 199 Ellis Street in Penticton.
The emergency support services reception centre was closed at midnight and will reopen at 9 a.m.
Boaters on Skaha Lake and Okanagan Lake are asked to stay out of the way of air tankers and watch for helicopters in the area that will be gathering water for the Mount Christie fire.
Christie Mountain fire day two: 40 personnel on scene overnight of 1,400 hectare Christie Mountain wildfire
Christie Mountain fire day one: More than 3,000 properties on alert as Mount Christie wildfire grows to 1,000 hectares
READ MORE: What to do with pets during the Mount Christie wildfire evacuation
READ MORE: Hundreds to endure another sleepless night as Penticton wildfire continues to grow
