A wildfire that suddenly roared to life in the North Okanagan on Friday night is being held, according to the BC Wildfire Service.
In an interview with Global News on Saturday morning, a BC Wildfire spokesperson said firefighting crews are on scene, as they were last night, with a helicopter also bucketing the blaze that quickly grew to 43 hectares in size.
It’s unknown if any structures were lost, but the chief administrative officer of Coldstream says to his knowledge no structures were burned.
In related news, the District of Coldstream said a tactical evacuation for Clerke Road, which parallels Highway 97, has been rescinded.
The district said residents can return home, but noted they are still on evacuation alert.
According to the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO), the alert was issued at 2:14 a.m., for certain properties in Electoral Area “B” on Kalamalka Lakeview Drive, Highridge Road, and one property on Highway 97.
“The RCMP informed residents of the alert in the early morning hours by going door-to-door,” said the RDNO.
“The alert remains in effect, and means that there is still potential risk and residents should be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice.”
The following areas are included in this Alert:
- 202, 224, 238, (11-16) 245, 252, 265, 275, 280, 285, (1-7) 315 Kalamalka Lakeview Drive,
- 310, 341, 365, 387, 399, 411, 415, 417, 421, 425, 433 Highridge Road
- 324 Highway 97 of Electoral area B, RDNO
“Residents will be given as much advance notice as possible prior to evacuation,” said the RDNO. “However, you may receive limited notice due to changing conditions.”
Also, the RDNO has closed the Greater Vernon landfill at 120 Birnie Road for the day due to fire-crew activity in the area.
“A wildland fire was reported on Friday evening, which moved quickly in areas near the (landfill) and prompted a multi-jurisdictional response,” said the regional district.
“Thanks to the hard work of firefighters and emergency personnel, the fire did not reach the landfill. Some grass on the road up to the site was burnt, but there was no serious impact to the facility.”
The regional district said if area residents need to use the landfill, they can use the Armstrong Spallumcheen landfill or the Lumby landfill in the meantime.