UPDATE: 5:30 p.m.
Fire activity appears greatly reduced on the Becker Lake wildfire after skimmer planes hit the fire hard Sunday afternoon.
There is a lot less smoke coming from the fire, however homes in the Uplands neighbourhood remain on evacuation alert as winds blow in that direction.
See 2:20 p.m. update for the list of addresses affected.
UPDATE: 4:30 p.m.
Fire activity has picked up Sunday afternoon on the southern flank of the Becker Lake wildfire.
BC Wildfire Service skimmer aircraft are hitting the fire hard as winds shifted Sunday, rushing the fire toward a major power line that serves the Vernon area and homes in the Uplands neighbourhood, which have been placed on evacuation alert.
Winds are still relatively light at this time, but often pick up in the evening.
Homes in the lower right of the photo below are those on alert. The power line can be seen coming down the mountain to the left of them.
Saturday’s main fire activity was off the left of the frame, showing how far the flames have advanced.
UPDATE: 3:10 p.m.
The Vernon RCMP has ordered all boaters to stay away from the north end of Kalamalka Lake, as water skimmers are using the lake to collect water Sunday afternoon.
In a brief statement issued Sunday, Const. Chris Terleski of the Vernon RCMP said police, search and rescue and the BC Conservation Officer Service will be patrolling the north end of Kalamalka Lake Sunday afternoon, to ensure boaters are complying.
“Anyone who is found interfering with wildfire operations could face a hefty fine, or even jail time,” Const. Terleski said.
Earlier Sunday, the BC Wildfire Service said boaters on Kal Lake had been interfering with water skimmers that are dropping water on the Becker Lake wildfire.
A number of homes near the Becker Lake fire were placed under an evacuation alert Sunday afternoon as well.
UPDATE: 2:20 p.m.
An evacuation alert has been issued for properties near the Becker Lake wildfire Sunday afternoon.
The District of Coldstream and the Regional District of the North Okanagan issued the evacuation alert at 2 p.m. An alert means residents in the area should be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice.
Homes on the following roads fall under the new alert:
- Ravine Dr.
- Ranchland Pl.
- Cypress Dr.
- Ridgemont Dr.
- Rockland Dr.
- Upland Dr.
- Upper Crestview
- Fairmont Pl.
- Crestview Dr.
- Jeffrey Dr.
- Scenic Dr.
- Auburn Ct.
- Hymar Pl.
- North Side Buchanan Rd. (8600blk- 9800blk)
- Midland Pl.
- Nickle Rd.
- Upland Hts.
- Robin Rd.
- Galiano (715-1294)
- Boss Ck Rd. (3965- onwards)
- French Rd.
- Greenwood Rd.
- South Side Hartnell Rd.
- Kingsview Rd.
- Lynx Dr.
Trevor Seibel, Coldstream Emergency Operations Centre director, said the alert comes following a recommendation from BC Wildfire, and that it’s a “precautionary measure.”
The BC Wildfire Service’s Taylor MacDonald said the alert is a “warning so that people are prepared,” but she couldn’t say if there has been increased wildfire activity at the Becker Lake fire Sunday.
UPDATE: 1:55 p.m.
Six water skimmers are hitting the Becker Lake wildfire east of Vernon Sunday afternoon, but boaters on Kalamalka Lake are causing some problems for the pilots.
In addition to 40 firefighters working on the 35-hectare fire Sunday, the team of six planes are providing support to help with suppression efforts.
Fire information officer Aydan Coray said she doesn’t believe fire activity has increased throughout the day Sunday, but the skimmers have arrived to lend a hand.
They’re collecting water from nearby Kalamalka Lake, but in a post on social media, the BC Wildfire Service says boaters are interfering with the planes.
“This is dangerous both to people on the boat and to our personnel, and interferes with critical firefighting operations,” BCWS said. “Please stay away from active wildfire sites whether on the ground, in the air, or on the water.”
“Just a reminder to the public to stay off our waterways when we have out skimmer team out there, give them enough room to work,” Coray said.
UPDATE: 9:50 a.m.
While the Becker Lake wildfire did not grow much overnight, the BC Wildfire Service now estimates it to be about 35 hectares in size after crews were able “get better eyes on the situation.”
While the fire, burning east of Vernon, appears to be burning in a much more subdued fashion Sunday, the fire is still classified as out of control by the BC Wildfire Service.
About 20 firefighters remained at the fire overnight, and a total of 40 are expected to be fighting the fire Sunday. While air tankers hit the fire hard Saturday, they’ll be used only if needed Sunday, while four helicopters will be bucketing it. A number of pieces of heavy machinery will also be used to build guards around the fire.
Saturday, all air support on the fire was paused for two hours after a drone was spotted near the fire.
“That was a little later in the evening, which is frustrating for our crews because we have to be back grounded before nightfall,” said Aydan Coray. “So anytime we are grounded in the evening, that is very valuable time that we are losing. It’s really frustrating.
“Drones are extremely dangerous and inhibit our ability to do our job.”
ORIGINAL: 6:50 a.m.
The Becker Lake wildfire on Vernon Mountain overlooking the city appears much subdued Sunday morning after fire crews hit it hard on Saturday.
BC Wildfire Service crews monitored the fire overnight, which grew to 10 hectares in size.
Aerial support continued dropping retardant and water well into the evening, until last light.
The fire sparked about 1 p.m. and is highly visible from across the city.
Aerial support was pulled out for two hours early in the evening after a drone was spotted flying in the area.
Doing so is a crime, and anyone caught operating a drone that interferes with fire control could be fined up to $100,000, or jailed for up to one year, or both.
Winds were relatively calm overnight, helping to slow any growth in the fire.