The Eagle Bluff fire has jumped in size this evening,as it moves upslope. This photo was taken earlier this evening, Aug. 6, 2019, from Kaleden, around 15 km away. Steve Arstad

Eagle Bluff wildfire jumps in size

PENTICTON – The Eagle Bluff fire continued to grow yesterday evening and overnight and is now 900 hectares in size.

Extreme conditions and the rugged terrain contributed to the fire’s growth, B.C. Wildfire says in a tweet this morning, Aug. 7.

The evacuation alert has also been expanded by the Osoyoos Indian Band to include properties in the Senkulmen Industrial Park.

The fire has grown considerably since B.C. Wildfire reported its size at 280 ha around 4:20 p.m yesterday afternoon.

B.C. Wildfire says the fire is expected to continue to grow as the fire moves upslope, which is also, fortunately, away from communities. The wildfire service says the growth will bring the fire into more workable and safe terrain for resources on site.

Firefighters hope to perform small-scale hand ignition burning today along the southern edge of Gallagher Lake. B.C. Wildfire says to expect to see more smoke as a result of this work.

Eight helicopters could be seen working the fire this afternoon, taking water from nearby Vaseux Lake.

The fire was discovered Sunday, Aug. 4 and is now considered an interface fire, with an evacuation alert for properties in the vicinity of Gallagher Lake.

The fire is located approximately 10 km southeast of Okanagan Falls and is considered out of control.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

— This story was updated at 8:30 a.m Aug. 7, 2019, to include new information about the size of the fire and an expanded evacuation alert.

The Eagle Bluff wildfire south of Okanagan Falls on Tuesday evening, Aug. 6, 2019.The above photo was taken from Kaleden. | Photographer: Steve Arstad

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Steve Arstad

I have been looking for news in the South Okanagan - SImilkameen for 20 years, having turned a part time lifelong interest into a full time profession. After five years publishing a local newsletter, several years working as a correspondent / stringer for several local newspapers and seven years as editor of a Similkameen weekly newspaper, I joined iNFOnews.ca in 2014. My goal in the news industry has always been to deliver accurate and interesting articles about local people and places. My interest in the profession is life long - from my earliest memories of grade school, I have enjoyed writing.
As an airborne geophysical surveyor I travelled extensively around the globe, conducting helicopter borne mineral surveys.
I also spent several years at an Okanagan Falls based lumber mill, producing glued-wood laminated products.
As a member of the Kaleden community, I have been involved in the Kaleden Volunteer Fire Department for 22 years, and also serve as a trustee on the Kaleden Irrigation District board.
I am currently married to my wife Judy, of 26 years. We are empty-nesters who enjoy living in Kaleden with our Welsh Terrier, Angus, and cat, Tibbs.
Our two daughters, Meagan and Hayley, reside in Richmond and Victoria, respectively.

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