FOG BLOG BREAKING LOG: SMALL TOWN OF OSOYOOS BC SURROUNDED BY FIRE , WIND TO PLAY KEY ROLL!

Winds play key role in wildfire fight after frightening weekend in Osoyoos, B.C. Number of properties on evacuation order reduced Monday, but over 2,000 remain on alert Winds will likely be a major factor in the battle to save the southern British Columbia town of Osoyoos from a raging wildfire, but the latest forecast offers some hope.

The B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS) said Monday the Eagle Bluff wildfire is holding at 14.5 square kilometres on the Canadian side of the border, which is an increase from Sunday when it was reported to be roughly nine square kilometres in size.

However, Environment Canada is forecasting winds of up to 20 kilometres an hour blowing northwest throughout the day — the right direction to push the flames away from town.

The sky over Osoyoos was visibly clearer Monday morning, closer to its usual shade of blue after it was an eerie shade of smoky orange on Sunday.

On Monday afternoon, Erick Thompson, information officer at the Regional District of the Okanagan-Similkameen Emergency Operations Centre, provided good news for Osoyoos residents.

As of 1:00 p.m. PT, the number of properties on evacuation order was significantly reduced from around 700 to 192. There are currently 2,635 properties on evacuation alert.

Thompson said there is still the need for those under alert to "remain vigilant and be prepared," but the reduced order is an optimistic sign.

BCWS Information Officer Shaelee Stearns said more windy weather is in the forecast Monday, and crews are keeping a close eye on the situation throughout the day. Stearns said crews are hoping the winds push the flames away from town.

Stearns said Monday that seeing a portion of the evacuation!