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West Kelowna  

Increased fire activity at Brenda Creek blaze on Sunday

Brenda fire grows east

UPDATE 10:55 a.m.

The BC Wildfire Service says the Brenda Creek wildfire saw some growth on its east flank overnight.

“Crews will be working on containment in these areas today, and will action any spot fires that may occur. Winds were calm this morning but are expected to pick up early in the day,” BCWS said online Monday morning.

Fire behaviour increased Sunday due to warmer and dry conditions, but overall growth was minimal.

The fire is still estimated to be 824 hectares in size.


ORIGINAL 6:10 a.m.

Fire behaviour increased Sunday at the Brenda Creek wildfire burning west of West Kelowna.

In a Sunday night update, the BC Wildfire Service says overall fire growth was minimal, however. The fire continues to be estimated at 824 hectares in size.

It is burning out of control south of the Okanagan Connector.

Five firefighters remained on site overnight to monitor the fire and protect high-value features.

Crews continue to work on reinforcement of guard lines and mop up under sections of the BC Hydro power line.

A high-volume water delivery system that was in place to protect the transmission line has been demobilized due to decreased risk.

On Sunday, crews continued to reinforce sections of guard line on the northwest corner of the fire by burning off the fuel between the guard and the fire with small, hand ignition operations.

An increase in fire activity may occur in the coming days as hot, dry and windy conditions are expected to persist. No precipitation is anticipated in the near future. These conditions will continue to challenge fire suppression efforts, the wildfire service says.

Forty-three properties remain under evacuation order, along with Eneas Lakes, Pennask Lake, Trepanier, and Pennask Creek provincial parks, and recreational camping areas northwest of Peachland.

Forty-six firefighters were assigned to the fire on Sunday, supported by four helicopters and 19 pieces of heavy equipment.

Seventeen firefighters from six different fire departments are also working on structure protection.



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