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UPDATE: Multiple fires threatening homes near Oliver

Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen have opened an emergency operation centre.
54320pentictonOliverfire
Multiple fires are threatening homes in the Oliver area.

UPDATE: 12:15 a.m.

The Wilson's Mountain Road fire is burning one kilometre north of Oliver and is now estimated at 90 hectares in size. BC Wildfire Service crews are working closely with local fire departments to protect structures in the area and slow the fire's spread.

The Testalinden Creek wildfire is burning approximately seven km south of Oliver and is now estimated at over 750 hectares in size. This wind-driven wildfire is burning in grass, sage and open timber.

There are also highway closures in effect. Please visit www.drivebc.ca for more information.

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UPDATE 11:09 p.m.

BC Wildfire Service said the Testalinden Creek fire, seven kilometres south of Oliver, has grown to an estimated 450 hectares in size and an evacuation order is in effect.

The Wilsons Mountain fire, one km north of Oliver, is estimated at 90 hectares in size and an evacuation order is in effect.

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen said over 200 homes are now under evacuation order.

Emergency social services has been activated at the Oliver Community Centre at 6359 Park Drive, Oliver. Residents are asked to check in when they arrive. To register by phone please call 250-498-4985.

A second emergency social services centre has opened in Osoyoos at the Sonora Community Centre at 8505 68 Ave. Evacuees can also register by phone.

Evacuation area:

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Multiple fires are threatening homes in the Oliver area causing the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen to open an emergency operation centre.

The BC Wildfire Service is responding to two new wildfires located north and south of the community of Oliver.

The fires, currently sized at approximately 90 and 200 hectares, started at approximately 6 p.m. and the cause is unknown at this time.

Due to the proximity of these fires to the community an evacuation order and alert has been issued.

Firefighters are on site, along with helicopter support. Airtankers will be working the fire as well when safe to do so.

According to BC Wildfire Service all available resources within the Kamloops Fire Centre have been deployed to the Testalinden Creek fire and the Wilson's Mountain Road Fire, also burning near Oliver. Additional resources are being relocated. Support is also being provided by the Oliver Fire Department and the RCMP. Suppression efforts will continue through the night.

The priority for the BC Wildfire Service is the protection of life and property while maintaining the safety of fire personnel.

According to the RDOS emergency social services reception is at the Oliver Community Centre located at 6359 Park Dr.