Fight against South Okanagan wildfire winding down

PENTICTON – B.C. Wildfire has begun pulling firefighters and other resources from the Eagle Bluff wildfire burning near Oliver now that the blaze is being held.

The fire, which is is being held at approximately 2,600 hectares, is not expect to grow any further, according to B.C. Wildfire, and in the coming days, there will be a planned demobilization of crew and resources.

There are 86 firefighters working the blaze today, Aug. 19, including one helicopter and one piece of heavy equipment.

The incident command team is in the process of turning the wildfire over to the Penticton Fire Zone and fire crews will continue to patrol the perimeter and identify and extinguish hot spots within 200 feet of the fire perimeter, B.C. Wildfire says. As portions of the fire are patrolled and extinguished, crew members will continue to be released.

Smoke may be visible in certain areas as the fire continues to be worked and the fire remains active.

An area restriction order remains in effect for the area around Eagle Bluff until noon on Aug. 30 or until rescinded.

The cause of the fire, which began on Aug. 4, is under investigation.

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