B.C. wildfires: Testalinden Creek evacuation alert expanded near Oliver

An evacuation alert for theTestalinden Creek wildfire, which continues to burnseven kilometressouth of Oliver, has been expanded to include 285 homes.

Properties along Tinhorn Creek, Old Golf Course Road,West Avenue, Cellar Road, Chokecherry Lane, the west side of Sumac Street and portions ofFairviewRoad andWillowbrookRoad are now under evacuation alert.

In a statement, theOkanagan-SimilkameenRegional Districtsaid residents in these areas would be contacted shortly informing them of stepsto take to prepare for potential evacuation.

• Detailed evacuation alert information

The districtsays the evacuation alert has been expanded because ofthe potential of increased winds and wildfire growthin the uplands ofKobauMountain.

Farmers and other people living along the alert area's Crown land interface are still being asked to water interface areas for up to three hours each day.

However, thoseoutside the evacuation alert area are asked to conserve water to make sure it's available for firefighting.

Wildfire growing

The B.C. Wildfire Service says that, due to overnight gusty winds, the TestalindenCreekwildfire has moved north to the head of Tinhorn Creek, to coveran estimated3,170 hectares.

Some 11 helicopters and 232 personnel continue tofightthe wildfire, which is now 60per cent contained, but smoke from the fire can still be seen in Oliver and along Highway 97.

The service saysheavy smoke is also blowing in on southerly winds from wildfires in Washington state, including the Stickpin fire, all of which can hamper firefightingair support.

Interactive South Okanagan-Similkameenwildfiresmap: Click x to remove legend