2 Okanagan fires judged noteworthy no longer

Goode’s Creek blaze only one that’s still burning out of control

Two fires in the valley, Glenfir Road (north of Naramata) and Mount Eneas (south of Peachland), have been removed from the BC Wildfire Service’s “Wildfires of Note” page.

“All of the fires are responding really well,” said Marla Catherall, fire information officer for the Okanagan complex. “Everything is going according to plan for the long weekend.”

Meanwhile, the fire at Goode’s Creek, in Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park, continues to burn. It covers 1,370 hectares and is classified as “out of control.” Increased winds could lead to more activity.

“Smoke will be visible from this fire today,” an update to the BC Wildfire Service’s website said Thursday. “Helicopters are assisting crews in suppression operations.”

A total of 32 personnel were assigned to the Goode’s Creek fire on Thursday, and crews are contending not only with extreme temperatures, but with concealed rattlesnake pits.

As the long weekend approaches, boaters are reminded to steer clear of areas where firefighting aircraft are operating. Most of southern B.C., including Kelowna, is still under a campfire ban. Of the fires in B.C. this season, 27 per cent have been caused by people.

“The men and women of the BC Wildfire Service are working long hours in sometimes very difficult conditions, so I’m asking everyone to do their part to prevent wildfires and not add to their workload,” said Doug Donaldson, minister of forests, lands, natural resource operations and rural development. “Be careful when you’re out in the backcountry. Follow the rules and avoid any activities that could start a wildfire.”