High winds, record breaking heat and low humidity has forced BC Wildfire Service crews, industry operators, and aircraft to withdraw from the fireline of the Placer Lake wildfire.
The Lower Similkameen Indian Band (LSIB) said in a press release the blaze has escalated to over 1,000 hectares.
The LSIB said the fire has even ignited materials within a 2021 burn scar in the area.
Conditions remain challenging, but Monday’s forecast of increased humidity may provide an opportunity for indirect firefighting measures.
If heat, winds, and low humidity persist, the LSIB said crews may only be able to work along the fire’s flanks.
An Incident Management Team (IMT) has taken command of firefighting resources and will oversee operations moving forward.
Local authorities, including the LSIB, Upper Similkameen Indian Band, and the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen, are coordinating closely with BC Wildfire Service.
People in Ashnola Village, Keremeos, and Cawston have reported ash falling and dense smoke.
