Wildfires near Merritt, Kamloops, West Kelowna threaten homes, close Coquihalla Highway
Posted August 15, 2021 11:28 pm.
Last Updated August 16, 2021 11:17 pm.
KELOWNA (NEWS1130) — Evacuations alerts have been issued in Merritt, West Kelowna, and Kamloops as wildfires grew substantially Sunday in various areas of the B.C. Southern Interior, putting more homes at risk.
The entire city of Merritt has been placed on alert “because of the potential danger to life and health,” with the roughly 7,000 residents of the community being told to prepare to leave at a moment’s notice if required.
The community is on notice because of the Lytton Creek fire, which has continued to grow amid hot and dry conditions, coupled with wind.
#EvacuationAlert issued by City of #Merritt for entirety of city boundaries due to the Lytton Creek #BCwildfire. More info & map: https://t.co/1jv7mDxkTi
— Emergency Info BC (@EmergencyInfoBC) August 16, 2021
The fire is now an estimated 56,329 hectares in size, with the BC Wildfire Service noting smoke from the blaze is “limiting visibility and creating challenging conditions.”
The Lytton Creek fire has been burning since June 30, destroying virtually all of the Village of Lytton on that day. Two people died as a result of that fire.
Wildfires are also impacting travel to the Interior, with the Coquihalla Highway now shut down in both directions between Hope and Merritt. It’s expected to be closed until at least Tuesday morning.
Drive BC says the next update on any possible reopening will be available online on its website after 8 a.m.
Another (and last) video courtesy of @MFranchinCalder #Coquihalla highway southbound near #Merritt before 5pm Sunday.
We watched at least 2 helicopters dumping water on hot spots in the #NicolaValley.
Highway now closed in both directions. #bcwildfires #bcstorm @DriveBC pic.twitter.com/rBbxNB5zwn
— Marcella Bernardo (@MBernardoNews) August 16, 2021
West Kelowna, Kamloops alerts
Sudden growth on the Tremont Creek wildfire forced the City of Kamloops to issue an evacuation alert for 734 properties, while the Thompson-Nicola Regional District issued an alert of its own for at least 166 properties near Cherry Creek.
The Tremont Creek fire is now more than 63,000 hectares in size, and is classified as “Out of Control.”
On Sunday, the BC Wildfire Service said eff there was “significant fire activity,” adding “poor visibility due to smoke hindered aerial operations through much of the day” in the area near Tunkwa Lake.
In West Kelowna, the Central Okanagan Regional District issued an evacuation alert for the Glenrosa neighbourhood due to the Mount Law wildfire.
Evacuation orders are also in affect for 460 properties in Glenrosa. Residents on evacuation order should leave immediately.
“Additional Evacuation Alerts have now been issued for 226 properties in the area west of Glen Canyon and Goats Peak, inclusive of 3801 Gellatly Road south (north end) to 300 Seclusion Bay Rd (south end), bringing the total on Evacuation Alert to approximately 1900,” the district said in a release.
The district said Sunday the fire “continues to expand beyond the Glenrosa area of West Kelowna.”
Additional 226 properties on Evacuation Alert for Mount Law wildfire https://t.co/kcGT4wwUrF
— Central Ok Emergency (@CO_Emerg) August 16, 2021
Elsewhere in the Interior, the Okanagan Indian Band near Vernon ordered residents of about 80 properties to leave immediately due to the White Rock Lake fire, which continues to be classified as out of control and is an estimated 62,273 hectares in size.
According to the BC Wildfire Service, wind gusts reaching up to 60 kilometres per hour pushed flames past containment lines in multiple areas Sunday.
#BCWildfire continues to respond to the Nk’Mip Creek (K52061), currently experiencing rank 5 fire activity on the NE front with gusting winds up to 60 km/hr. Structural protection crews will remain onsite overnight at Mt. Baldy. Complete updates: https://t.co/uv6eILOZNJ pic.twitter.com/ipp9sLEsGQ
— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) August 16, 2021
The service says fire personnel have seen a growth in the White Rock Lake, Nk’Mip Creek and Lytton wildfires, adding high winds are expected to persist into Monday.
There are currently more than 260 wildfires burning across B.C.
