Wildfire Management Branch was asked what has happened to an investigation into a wildfire that started Friday April 11 – south east of Oliver.
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Date: April 26th – The fire is person-caused and the investigation has now been referred to the RCMP.
Kayla Pepper Fire Information Officer
Ministry of Forests, Lands & Natural Resource Ops
Wildfire Mgmt Branch | Kamloops Fire Centre
RCMP have not reported on any investigation and/or charges in this matter.
Earlier on this story Crews are working hard to try and contain a wildfire burning between Oliver and Osoyoos on the east side of the valley. Kayla Pepper, fire information officer with the Kamloops Fire Centre, says that the blaze started on Friday and has continued to grow in size. Sunday they have 25 fire fighters on the scene as well as two helicopters and fire investigators. “Crews are focusing on putting in a guard on the southwest side of the fire. The East side of the fire has fewer values so they’re really focusing their efforts around some power lines on the southwest side.” She adds they are also attempting to steer the fire towards some rocky areas that will act as natural guards on the east side. Pepper says there are two investigators out there today trying to determine the cause of the blaze, but the belief is that it was human caused. Strong winds Saturday paired with dry forest fuel in the area caused the fire to continue to spread. Thanks to Roger Richardson for this photograph sent to Oliver Daily News.