Crews action new wildfire in Okanagan
As the winds picked up Wednesday afternoon, a wildfire was spotted west of Peachland.
The BC Wildfire Service says it’s located about 4.5 km away from the community and a photo showed it burning in trees between two hills.
Air tankers, helicopters, a skimmer group, along with initial attack and ground crews were all dispatched to the area.
“The Spring Lake wildfire (K50842) is displaying rank 2-3 behaviour, meaning the fire has an open flame and moderate rate of spread. No values are threatened at this time,” the BCWS said on Wednesday evening.
As of 9:30 a.m. Thursday, the fire was estimated at 2.2 hectares in size and is classified as out of control.
The blaze is believed to be human caused.
We are currently responding to the Spring Lake wildfire (K50842) located approximately 4.5 kilometres west of Peachland. There are currently two initial attack crews, one unit crew, two helicopters and airtankers responding. pic.twitter.com/BsAO9Kj5tJ
— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) July 11, 2024
Meantime, the number of active wildfires in B.C. is ticking up as hot, sunny weather persists in much of the central and southern Interior, while a cold front carrying the risk of thunderstorms and dry lightning is expected across the north today.
There are about 150 blazes with 48 new ones since Wednesday.
A province-wide campfire ban is set to take effect Friday at noon, except for Haida Gwaii.