Jul 20, 2021 9:22 PM -
The entire town of Oliver is on evacuation alert and nearly 200 properties between Oliver and Osoyoos are evacuated as a new wildfire threatens parts of the south Okanagan.
The Inkaneep Creek blaze broke out yesterday afternoon and charred seven square kilometres of bush within hours, prompting evacuation orders from both the Osoyoos Indian Band and the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen.
The regional district has also issued a state of local emergency covering Oliver and the evacuated areas and ``strongly advises'' residents currently on alert to be ready to leave on very short notice.
The BC Wildfire Service says strong winds and drought-like conditions helped fuel the suspected human-caused fire and gusty winds will be a factor again today as more air and groundcrews are expected to join the battle to save area homes and infrastructure.