BC Hydro keeping eye on wildfire near transmission line in Central Okanagan

OKANAGAN (NEWS 1130) — Emergency operations officials in British Columbia say a flyover of electrical lines in the Central Okanagan found no damage from raging wildfires, but they warn that residents need to be ready for possible power cuts.

A news release from Central Okanagan Emergency Operations says BC Hydro conducted the aerial surveillance of its transmission infrastructure earlier Saturday, and they didn’t see any damage, that could change at any time.

It says people should have an emergency kit ready with things like a flashlight and ready-to-eat non-perishable foods, and have a preparedness plan.

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The BC Wildfire Service has said there are more than 300 fires burning across the province, which include two large ones in the Okanagan.

The Brenda Creek wildfire in Central Okanagan remains an estimated 500 hectares in size and is still classified out of control.

BC Hydro spokesman Kevin Aquino says in an email that the Brenda Creek blaze is burning along a right-of-way for its transmission line that serves the City of West Kelowna, but no serious damage was seen during Saturday’s flyover.