BC Gov News

There are 13 new wildfires burning in the Kamloops Fire Centre, including three new “fires of note” in the Penticton, Merritt and Kamloops fire zones.

• The Sidley Mountain wildfire in the Penticton Fire Zone started in the United States and has spread across the Canadian border east of Osoyoos. This fire now covers about 50 hectares and has prompted an evacuation order for residents of the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen and the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary. Firefighting aircraft are supporting ground crews to slow the fire’s spread in grass and open timber. Firefighters and heavy equipment operators worked overnight and more crews are on site this morning. Good progress has been made to guard the fire on the Canadian side of the border. BC Wildfire Service officials are working closely with their counterparts in the United States, who are also responding to this incident.
• The Skuhun Mountain wildfire in the Merritt Fire Zone is burning between Highway 8 and Highway 97C. Air and ground crews responded to this 300-hectare wildfire on Thursday afternoon. Today, over 80 firefighters are on site and supported by helicopters and heavy equipment. This fire is suspected to be human-caused, but it is currently under investigation. No evacuation orders or alerts are in effect for this fire.
• The Long Lake Road wildfire in the Kamloops Fire Zone is burning west of Stump Lake and Highway 5A. On Thursday, it grew to about 236 hectares. Firefighters, airtankers, helicopters and heavy equipment worked hard to slow the fire’s spread. Crews also remained on site overnight and the fire is now 60% contained. Today, over 50 personnel will work to build fire guards and increase containment. No structures are immediately threatened by this fire.

The Kamloops Fire Centre is urging people to use extreme caution in the backcountry and refrain from activities that may cause a wildfire. Currently, the fire danger rating throughout the Kamloops Fire Centre is “high” to “extreme”. There are unsettled weather conditions in the forecast, so it is crucial that everyone does their part to prevent wildfires.

The BC Wildfire Service thanks the public for its ongoing support in reporting wildfires. To report a wildfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone.

For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, visit: http://www.bcwildfire.ca

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