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Penticton  

Wildfire contained

Update -- August 20

The wildfire that broke out in Naramata has been fully contained.

Officials at the BC Wildfire Management Branch says a crew of 15 stayed overnight to fight the blaze.

At it's peak, the wildfire grew to 2.9 hectares in size. 


4:20 pm. update:

Crews are gaining the upper hand on the fire near N. Naramata Road.

Forest fire fighter Jim Mottishaw says, "Kaleden, Summerland and Penticton supported the Naramata fire department. The fire is about 2.5 hectares in size. It is 75% contained . . . we'll have it contained by late this evening." 

Mottishaw says the fire is human caused. It was started near the roadway.

A homeowner who lives near to where the fire burned says crews have worked hard to get it guarded.

"My house was first in line, we got here very, very quickly. I was quite worried at the time, but it looks like at this point they've got it contained. Very pleased, it's a good use of tax dollars at work," says a relieved Duncan McCowan.

A helicopter is now working with ground crews to put out the hot spots.


1 p.m. original story: Crews are currently battling a wildfire in the Naramata area.

According to witnesses, the fire broke out in the area of Naramata Road north of town around 1 p.m. this afternoon.

The provincial Wildfire Management Branch has been called in to help with the fire at the request of the Naramata Fire Department.

According to Fire Information Officer, Kelsey Winter, the fire is approximately 1.5ha in size.

Winter says two initial attack crews and two air tankers have been dispatched.

She says the fire is currently a rank two, which is aggressive ground fire.

The fire is also emitting a lot of smoke which Winter says could be contributed by the types of fuel being burned.

Fire crews from Kaleden have also been called to assist.

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