Testalinda Fire Area – grown to nearly 3800 hectares – 60 percent contained
Fire spread Friday to Reed Creek area/Upper Fairview – Ripley, Burnell (Sawmill), Madden Lake recreational areas add to the list of properties and areas evacuated.
This morning – wind calm, aerial support action after 8am. No reports of any injury or loss.
Ministry contractor busy in the interface installing sprinkler systems on or near homes.
Area is restricted and security guards active in the area. Most of those evacuated staying with family or friends. 11 names registered at Evac Centre at last report.
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The recreational areas around Burnell (Sawmill) Lake, Ripley Lake and Madden Lake, to the west
of Oliver have been placed within an expanded Evacuation Order issued Friday. The
Regional District is asking that people stay away from all Crown Land areas south of Orofino
Creek Road in the Burnell (Sawmill) Lake, Ripley Lake and Madden Lake areas.
This expanded area only includes Crown Land recreation sites. No new private homes or
properties have been included as a part of this expansion of the existing Evacuation Order.
Twenty seven (27) properties or homes along Fairview Road, Old Golf Course Road and
Willowbrook Road, have been evacuated.
An Emergency Support Service Reception Centre has been activated at the Oliver Community
Centre at 6359 Park Drive. The Reception Centre can be contacted by phone at 250-809-
8430. All property owners and residents affected by this Evacuation Order should register with
the Reception Centre.
The number of homes or properties remaining under Evacuation Alert due to the Testalinda
Creek Wildfire is now 258.
The Regional District would like residents within the remaining Evacuation Alert area to be
prepared to evacuate if required.
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The Oliver fire began Aug. 14 about seven kms south of town, is about 37-square kilometres in size.
Meanwhile, the B.C. wildfire service said 232 firefighters, 11 helicopters and 21 pieces of heavy equipment are battling the flames. The fire is one of 169 fires burning across the province.
Environment Canada is forecasting showers and a risk of thunderstorms in the area on Saturday and showers on Sunday.