Still fighting small wildfire

Photo: Ike Burkhart

UPDATE: 5:45 p.m.

Fire crews continue to fight a small spot-sized fire just south of Highway 33 in the Joe Rich area Thursday night. 

Fire information officer Taylor MacDonald says the fire, believed to be sparked by lightning earlier in the day, is still classified as out of control. 

Three BC Wildfire Service firefighters have been working to extinguish the fire throughout the day, and several air tankers provided some support in the afternoon. 

MacDonald said she doesn't believe crews will be staying on site through the evening. 

UPDATE: 3:10 p.m.

Water bombers are now dousing a small spot fire east of Kelowna.

Photographer Ike Burkhart says three bombers are dropping loads on the fire in the Joe Rich area.

He's watching the action from the Walker Hill brake check pullout on Highway 33, and says the fire is in the hills directly above there.

UPDATE: 2:35 p.m.

The BC Wildfire Service has added a small spot fire burning east of Kelowna to its interactive wildfire map.

The map pins the fire near Pyman Road in Joe Rich.

Its cause is so far listed as unknown, and the wildfire service says its size is .01 of a hectare.

Photo: BC Wildfire Service

ORIGINAL: 1:10 p.m.

Castanet has received photos of a small fire burning off Highway 33, above Mission Creek, east of Kelowna in Joe Rich, possibly started by a lightning strike.

The fire appears to be very small at this point, but it has been reported to BC Wildfire service and Joe Rich Fire Department.