Lightning, wind could undo progress on B.C. wildfires

KELOWNA — Wildfire conditions were calmer across British Columbia on the weekend, but there is concern climbing temperatures and gusty winds could undo progress made over the past several days.

Environment Canada is calling for winds gusting to 50 kilometres per hour over the Kelowna area and lightning is also forecast for several parts of the province, including the Okanagan Valley.

The B.C. Wildfire Service says it conducted a controlled burn on Sunday, uniting two fires into one larger blaze between Peachland and Summerland, on the west side of Okanagan Lake. They confirmed 112 firefighters were still actively combating the fire as of Monday afternoon.

They estimate the blaze has grown to nearly 18 square kilometres, up from 14 square kilometres as of Sunday.

While the fire is still considered out of control, officials say the single perimeter offers a better chance to build fire guards.

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen rescinded several evacuation orders for properties north of Summerland and the wildfire service website says other evacuations could be lifted, but another 900 properties remain on alert until further notice.

And nearly 300 kilometres away from Summerland, outside Nakusp, crews had to deal with a different obstacle while fighting a wildfire Sunday — drones.

The wildfire service released a statement Monday saying a helicopter was grounded and other firefighting aircraft in the area had to be diverted out of the airspace above the wildfire, about 20 kilometres away from the village.

Using drones and unmanned aerial vehicles near a wildfire is considered interference and comes with a $1,150 fine. A conviction can cost drone pilots up to $100,000 and up to 18 months in prison.