Evacuation order issued for parts of Osoyoos as growing wildfire crosses Canada-U.S. border

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen and Town of Osoyoos issued an evacuation order Saturday evening for 732 properties in and around Osoyoos as a response to an out-of-control fire that has reached over the U.S.-Canada border.

The Eagle Bluff fire is burning about four kilometres from the town of Osoyoos in B.C.’s southern Interior and is considered to be a wildfire of note. 

Previous wildfire updates called the Canadian side as the Lone Pine Creek fire. But both sides of the wildfire are now being referred to as the Eagle Bluff fire. 

The evacuation order covers the area north of the border to the intersection of Highway 97 and Highway 3, as well as west and north along Highway 3.

The fire sent a growing plume of smoke that was visible over Osoyoos Lake on Saturday afternoon.

B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS) says the Eagle Bluff fire is now 200 hectares on the Canadian side, while the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (WSDNR) estimates the U.S. portion is over 1,000 hectares. 

On Saturday afternoon, BCWS confirmed the fire had crossed the U.S.-Canada border. 

BCWS says they are in close communication with WSDNR fire services to collaborate on fires close to the U.S.-Canada border. 

The town of Osoyoos issued a statement Saturday evening requesting residents reduce water usage to ensure the town’s reservoirs are available for the fire department.