Pigeon Creek wildfire still raging near Peachland

The wildfire burning that sparked just north-west of Peachland Sunday evening continues to burn.

The B.C. Wildfire Service said the Pigeon Creek wildfire, located just off Highway 97C west of the Trepanier Road turnoff, had grown to 33 hectares in size as of 9:20 a.m. Tuesday, June 6.

Fire Information Officer Melanie Bibeau confirmed with Vernon Matters that two Wildfire Service (BCWS) personnel stayed on the scene to monitor the situation overnight, and that crews returned to battle the blaze Tuesday morning.

The BCWS was sending in two units, comprised of a total a 40 to 44 firefighters, and they will be supported by 16 contractors. Together they will focus their efforts on building fire guards around the Pigeon Creek wildfire to prevent further spread.

Bibeau added they won’t have any heavy equipment on the ground Tuesday morning, but will be supported in the air by three helicopters and six skimmers dropping water on the blaze throughout the day.

As of Tuesday morning the Pigeon Creek wildfire was still considered out of control and the cause was unknown.

The fire and smoke is visible from Highway 97C but DriveBC has not reported any traffic disruptions linked to the fire.