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Similkameen firefighting crew backing up BC Wildfire Service at Eagle Bluff wildfire

Six task forces from across the province called in as a cautionary measure
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A small crew with the Keremeos fire department has been called in as a cautionary measure to help with the Eagle Bluff wildfire north of Oliver. (Photo courtesy of BC Wildfire Service)

A small crew and two fire trucks from Keremeos Volunteer Fire Department including task forces from other fire stations in the province have been deployed to help with structure protection at the Eagle Bluff wildfire north of Oliver.

READ MORE: UPDATE: Eagle Bluff wildfire expected to grow

Keremeos fire chief Jordy Bosscha confirmed the fire department got the request Wednesday night from the Office of the Fire Commissioner. The crew of four left early this morning and are currently in the area as a cautionary measure as strong wind is in the forecast for tonight.

“The bush truck got assigned to a division and they are out working today. Our engine is on night shifts so they getting ready to go out tonight at 7 p.m.,” he said. “This particular deployment is for structure protection. We’re patrolling and monitoring and assisting where necessary.”

READ MORE: Eagle Bluff wildfire grows to 1260 hectares, more properties on alert

Bosscha said it’s not unusual to get these types of requests.

“It’s cautionary mostly. Forestry crews look after forests, they don’t look after structures. Structure fire guys help wherever they can,” he said.

Penticton fire chief Larry Watkinson confirmed that six task forces from municipal fire departments around the province are stationed in Oliver and helping by conducting patrols, supporting the wildfire efforts and backing up BC Wildfire Service.

The Penticton fire department is not involved, he said, because the city has its own extreme fire conditions.

“We’re not far from this fire anyway. If they needed us, we’d respond but the departments that are here are not in the extreme conditions we are in in Penticton,” he said.

There is also the threat of thunderstorms predicted for the region Thursday night and Friday.

READ MORE: Smoke from 2017 B.C. wildfires helps research on potential impact of nuclear war

Peachland Fire and Rescue also confirmed that a Type 6 Wildland Engine has currently been deployed.

To report a typo, email: editor@pentictonwesternnews.com.

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