Lightning, wind, could undo weekend progress battling B.C. wildfires

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen rescinded several evacuation orders for properties north of Summerland and the wildfire service website says other evacuations could be lifted, but another 900 properties remain on alert until further notice.

An evacuation order was issued Monday night for a handful of properties southwest of Kamloops along the Trans-Canada Highway in the small community of Spences Bridge. However, the Thompson-Nicola Regional District rescinded the order a short time later but said residents in the affected area remained under an evacuation alert.

An Environment Canada air quality warning is still in effect for much of the south-eastern section of British Columbia, with children and seniors being most at risk. Residents are advised to stay in a cool, ventilated area wherever possible.

And nearly 300 hundred kilometres away from Summerland, outside the village of Nakusp, B.C., crews had to deal with a different obstacle while fighting a wildfire Sunday — drones flying above the blaze.

The wildfire service released a statement Monday saying a helicopter was grounded and other firefighting aircraft in the area had to be diverted out of the airspace above the wildfire, some 20 kilometres away from the village.

Using drones and unmanned aerial vehicles near a wildfire is considered interference and comes with an $1,150 fine. A conviction can cost drone pilots up to $100,000 and potentially 18 months in prison.

The Canadian Press

by Canadian Press

Lightning, wind, could undo weekend progress battling B.C. wildfires

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