Largest wildfire in region now ‘being held’
Almost a month after it was first discovered, the Keremoes Creek wildfire is now classified as being held.
The B.C. Wildfire Service said that means the wildfire southwest of Penticton is not likely to spread beyond its boundaries under the forecast conditions.
The blaze, which still has an unknown cause, is estimated at 7,017 hectares, and at one point, had more than 500 properties on evacuation order.
The Wildfire Service said current fire behaviour is minimal around the perimeter, with some burning stumps and single trees.
“Fire burning at a safe distance within the existing perimeter will be allowed to burn and self-extinguish. Hotspots or single trees being consumed do not threaten further spread at a sufficient distance from control lines,” an update on the fire stated Friday.
The Keremeos Creek wildfire, 21 km SW of #Penticton, is now considered Being Held after 28 days of sustained suppression. At this stage, it will not likely spread beyond predetermined boundaries under forecast conditions. pic.twitter.com/hZBuym5R9g
— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) August 26, 2022
(BC Wildfire Service/Twitter)
Smoke will continue to be visible from Highway 3A and surrounding communities until significant rainfall, which is common with large wildfires.
The Keremeos Creek Fire, which was discovered on July 29, is still listed as a Fire of Note, the only one in the Kamloops Fire Centre.
As of 3:30 p.m. Friday, there were 37 active fire in the Kamloops Fire Centre, with eight new fires in the last two days.
In B.C., there were 236 active fires.