Evacuation alert issued for wildfire in North Okanagan

A wildfire has broken out in the North Okanagan.

The fire is located southwest of Armstrong, beside a cell tower along Grandview Mountain.

A local resident said she heard a loud bang of thunder on Friday afternoon, with smoke and flames soon rising from the nearby mountaintop.

0:36 Wildfire in North Okanagan sparked by lightning

BC Wildfire said the fire’s suspected cause is lightning, and that air tankers are on scene.

Earlier Friday, Environment Canada issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the Okanagan at 1:35 p.m.

BC Wildfire said the fire was discovered at 2:05 p.m., and was sized at 0.8 of a hectare just after 3 p.m.

2:05 Residents urged to be fire smart amid hot, dry conditions

The Township of Spallumcheen issued an evacuation order for properties along Round Lake Road plus some addresses on Grandview Flats Road Friday afternoon. However, later that day, the order was downgraded to an alert.

Thirty-four properties remain on alert and have been told to be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.

The addresses are available online.

“Crews are on scene with tactical support from BC Wildfire en route,” said the township.

2:05 Fire mitigation helps prevent wildfire spread

If you are under an evacuation order, the township says you can visit an emergency support service centre at municipal hall at 4144 Spallumcheen Way.

The township also closed the entrance to trails on Mount Rose Swanson, and is asking residents to avoid that backcountry area.

Also in the North Okanagan is a 5.5-hectare blaze burning 28 km north of Cherryville.

The fire was discovered on Thursday afternoon at 1:36 p.m., and was deemed to be out of control as of Friday morning.