Out-of-control wildfire breaks out just 6 km southwest of Penticton

The BC Wildfire Service is reporting a new fire in the South Okanagan.

The Skaha Creek wildfire is located approximately six kilometres southwest of Penticton and was estimated at 0.3 hectares in size as of 2:45 p.m.

As of Saturday night, the fire has expanded to 17 hectares.

The BC Wildfire Service says the fire is classified as out of control.

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Originally, BC Wildfire said three personnel were en route to battle the blaze, along with one helicopter, multiple air tankers and air skimmers.

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Two hours later, it said 23 ground personnel were on site, and that skimmers and air tankers were dropping retardant along its flanks.

“Currently, no structures are threatened,” said BC Wildfire, adding the fire is suspected to be human-caused.

1:49 Premier visits fire-ravaged areas, promises new approach to fire control