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Penticton  

13 fires sparked

Chelsea Powrie

UPDATE 10:20 p.m.

The B.C. Wildfire Service is attending to 13 new fire starts in the Okanagan-Similkameen caused by widespread lightning.

Additional resources are on the way to the area. At this time, there are no known threats to structures.

The Penticton Indian Band has issued a brief statement saying they are monitoring the fire burning on its reserve near Conkle Mountain and are standing by ready to support residents that may be impacted by evacuations should they be required.

The fire was hit very hard by air support from the nearby Penticton wildfire airbase Tuesday evening. PIB and BC Wildfire crews will continue to aggressively attack the fire through the night.


UPDATE 8:30 p.m.

The District of Summerland says the fire burning west of Trout Creek is on the PIB reserve.

Penticton Indian Band and ministry crews are fighting the blaze near Conkle Mountain, assisted by air support.

There is no threat to the District of Summerland at this time, said the municipality in a Facebook post.


UPDATE 8:00 p.m.

Firefighters with the B.C. Wildfire Service are rushing to several new fire starts in the South Okanagan, sparked by a thunderstorm that rolled through the area Tuesday evening.

Helicopter crews are attacking a blaze west of Trout Creek, where flames are visible from homes.

A pair of wildfires have also been sparked near Naramata. Residents there report that 911 and the emergency wildfire report lines are jammed.

Lighting has started a fourth, smaller, wildfire in the mountains behind Victoria Pines Mobile home park in Olalla.

Castanet News is awaiting more information from the BC Wildfire Service and has dispatched reporters to the scenes.


UPDATED: 7:27 p.m.

A number of fires have popped up in the south Okanagan.

Lightning-caused fires are being reported in Summerland, Peachland, Naramata and Olalla.

Castanet has received multiple tips regarding a brief windstorm whipping through the area. 

 



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