More planned ignitions scheduled for Eagle Bluff wildfire

PENTICTON – Smoke from the Eagle Bluff wildfire may increase as planned ignitions are scheduled for the wildfire, starting as early as this afternoon.

The B.C. Wildfire Service is planning new ignitions to help gain containment of the 2,632 ha wildfire burning five km northeast of Oliver if weather conditions are favourable.

The wildfire continues to burn in steep terrain, although it has shown reduced activity in recent days, with less smoke visible.

The fire remains active and classified as out of control, however, and the planned ignitions are being conducted to create a fuel-free area ahead of the fire to keep it from spreading further.

The work will proceed only if weather and venting conditions are favourable. Smoke will likely be visible from neighbouring communities, including Penticton, Oliver and Osoyoos.


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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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