While BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) said it could take advantage of lower temperatures over the weekend, rising heat would increase activity on the western flank of the Bald Range wildfire on Tuesday, Aug. 25.

The west flank of the fire, north of Isintok Lake, has been the most active portion of late, and with highs of 31 C and 33 C on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively, and an increase in winds, that fire activity could increase.

As of Tuesday morning, six evacuation orders and 10 evacuation alerts remain in place.

Despite north of Isintok Lake being the most active area, BCWS added that ground crews were able to take advantage of the lower temperatures experienced on Sunday night and lower some fire behaviour.

The lower temperatures also brought thunder and lightning over the weekend. On Monday, BCWS said its aviation resources and initial attack crews were able to put out “several” new lightning-caused fires that were in the surrounding area of the Bald Range wildfire.

BCWS added that the Brent Mountain Protected Area is currently a priority for its suppression efforts.

“We are building a contingency line south of Isintok Lake and west of Brent Mountain as a precautionary measure; should fire activity challenge our primary control lines,” said BCWS.

Bucketing helicopters have been helping ground crews but are actioning hot spots.

At the north and south flanks, crews have continued mop-up operations, moving east to west and dousing any remaining heat 50 feet in from the fire’s edge.

Additionally, the Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) lifted all evacuation alerts for Peachland and Electoral Area West on Monday, Aug. 24.

Heavy equipment crews on scene are continuing to create contingency lines further out to the south and west of the fire as precautionary measures, should the fire breach primary control lines.

Meanwhile, in Summerland and the surrounding area, crews are conducting tactical patrols and thermal scans to identify any remaining heated areas.

As of Tuesday morning, BCWS has an Incident Command team, 339 firefighting personnel, 19 structure protection personnel, 79 pieces of heavy equipment, and 15 helicopters on scene.

The Bald Range wildfire is currently one of three wildfires of note and one of 165 active wildfires in the province. It remains 25,021 hectares in size.

Black Press Media will provide updates throughout the day.