The BC Wildfire Service says cooler temperatures have helped a team of firefighters make progress in building a guard between homes and the Christie Mountain wildfire south of Penticton, which is now estimated to be about 2,000 hectares in size.

“Today, crews are looking to find safe access to the north end of the fire if visibility improves,” said an update from the Wildfire Service. “They made great progress yesterday and continued work on the southwest flank of the fire building and strengthening control lines for values protection and in some cases using small scale hand ignitions to remove pockets of unburnt fuel.

“The fire was fairly quiet overnight and mostly burning rank 1 as smoldering ground fire. Overnight crews made good progress protecting values in the area.”

More than 300 properties remain evacuated and another almost four thousand are on alert.

Gusting winds up to 70 km/hr may be a challenge for the 100 firefighters on scene today along with structure protection crews, other fire departments, and water tenders, according to Fire Information Officer, Nicole Bonnett.

She says the more active portion of fire is further south above the Skaha Bluff area, which is is away from community.

The city of Penticton is asking people city to be prepared in case they have to evacuate and register online with emergency support services. People are being told not to go the reception centre unless there is an evacuation order.

The ground personnel are being supported by nine helicopters and four water tenders throughout the day today. People are being asked to stay off Skaha Lake so air tankers can safely scoop up water.

Penticton Mayor John Vassilaki is praising the work of first responders.

“I have all the confidence in the world with BC fire and Emergency Service, wildfire service,” he said. “The number of aircraft that continuously fly over my home, I can tell you they are so low, I can almost touch them if I jump high enough.”

A cause of the fire is still under investigation at this time. A Type 1 Incident Management Team is on scene and will be transitioning into place by end of the day, according to the BC Wildfire Service.

For evacuation information regarding alerts and orders, check the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen and the City of Penticton websites.

Meanwhile, the Doctor Creek fire near Canal Flats in the Kootenays is currently estimated to be around 400 hectares. A 20-person crew is on the ground with heavy equipment en route. The BC Wildfire Service says response planning is underway.

Solomon Mountain Fire Being Held

An evacuation alert for 44 properties in the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary has been rescinded.

Its as the BC Wildfire Service now says the 17.5 hectare Solomon Mountain Fire, north of Beaverdell, is being held at this time. The fire is not likely to spread beyond existing or predetermined boundaries under the prevailing and forecasted conditions.

There will be crews on scene today continuing to reinforce the fire control lines.

All told, there are 22 personnel are on the scene, with eight pieces of heavy equipment, with air support available as required.

Watch this story for updates