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Crater Creek wildfire near Keremeos grows 4,000 hectares overnight

BC Wildfire now working with U.S. counterparts now that blaze has jumped border
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Tegan Elizabeth took this dramatic photo of the Crater Creek fire last week when the blaze near Keremeos exploded in size because of wind. It is now 41,000 hectares. (Tegan Elizabeth)

The Crater Creek wildfire near Keremeos grew 4,000 hectares overnight, bringing the estimated total to 41,000 hectares (or 410 square kilometres) as of Sunday, Aug. 20.

BC Wildfire Service announced on Saturday, that the massive wildfire had crossed into the U.S. and now they are working with their partners to the south on a coordinated response in that area.

“We saw overnight growth in the west flank with rank 2 and 3 fire activity which is low to moderate vigorous fire,” said BC Wildfire fire information officer Casda Thomas.

There was minimal growth in the Pauls Creek area.

BC Wildfire continued to have structural protection overnight and Sunday with 40 personnel, many of whom are working to set up guards west of Ashnola while also applying water on that area.

The heavy smoke continues to be a challenge for all aerial crews.

On Saturday, the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen rescinded evacuation orders for properties in Electoral Area “G” (Rural Keremeos) along the Similkameen River on the west side of Highway 3, from 3675 Highway 3 to 4355 Highway 3.

This area includes Suncatchers RV Park, Riverside MH Park; and Lucky R MH Park.

Crater Creek fire taken Aug. 18. (Mike Biden photo)
Crater Creek fire taken Aug. 18. (Mike Biden photo)

There are 13 properties within the RDOS under evacuation order and another 195 on evacuation alert.

UPDATE: More growth expected as Crater Creek wildfire near Keremeos crosses border

PHOTOS: Wind largely to cause of massive growth to wildfire near Keremeos

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Monique Tamminga

About the Author: Monique Tamminga

Monique brings 20 years of award-winning journalism experience to the role of editor at the Penticton Western News. Of those years, 17 were spent working as a senior reporter and acting editor with the Langley Advance Times.
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