Update: Aug. 9, 4:20 p.m.
With around 20,000 people displaced by the Bald Range wildfire, Summerland Mayor Doug Holmes provided an update to residents Sunday.
According to the B.C. Wildfire Service, more than 70 firefighters were on the ground, along with several helicopters and planes, battling the blaze.
Holmes said that while the fire had been burning within the community, it did not appear to be spreading farther into the district.
“The fire is still out of control, but it doesn’t seem to be expanding its boundaries into Summerland that much more. So we’re still fighting.”
As Summerland residents wondered when they would be able to return home, Holmes said much would have to be done even after the fire was extinguished.
“We’ve got to make sure the town is safe. You know, there’s infrastructure damage, and, you know, there’s power lines down, the water’s contaminated, so that’s all going to have to be flushed out and there could be hot spots and all kinds of issues that would need to be dealt with before people can start returning, so we need to make sure it’s safe. We can’t let anybody back if it’s not safe, and, of course, we can’t even start any of that work until the fire is under control, which it’s not.”
Holmes added that he did not expect Highway 97 to reopen anytime soon.
“So the Ministry of Transportation does their assessments, but my understanding is that the fire’s still burning right down at the highway, so obviously, I can’t see them opening the highway if there’s flames right alongside it.”
Holmes said he did not know how many properties had been damaged, adding that the fire’s behaviour meant some properties could be left unscathed.
“There are people who’ve lost their homes and we still don’t know a tally. We haven’t been able to get in there to do a kind of count, so we don’t know how many. The focus is still on getting the fire under control before we can do any of that sort of thing, and the fire isn’t just a wall that just comes through and wipes out everything in its path. Fire behaviour is kind of strange. It doesn’t just wipe out everything in its path. It kind of cherry picks, and it doesn’t really make sense. It depends where embers land and all that kind of thing, so you can’t really say one area of town is affected and another area of town isn’t, because fire doesn’t really work that way.”
Holmes said rumours circulating online that historic downtown Summerland had burned to the ground were false. He said the Summerland Fire Department was working in the community to prevent further damage.
“The B.C. Wildfire Service is fighting the fire itself, but the Summerland Fire Department is in there fighting, protecting the town and protecting those structures and putting those structures out to make sure that it doesn’t spread to other buildings, and so they’re working day and night, and that’s a huge, it’s a huge strain on an auxiliary fire department like we have, and they’re doing an amazing job.”
Holmes said residents had shown kindness and support during the crisis.
“The way everybody is helping each other, it’s incredible. During the evacuation, neighbours were helping neighbours, we’re helping elderly people get out, and just everybody was really cooperative and calm. I think during crises like these bring out the best in people and how everybody is helping each other, and I see it here in Penticton at the evacuation centre, and how kind everybody is to each other, and how we’re all helping each other, and that’s just the kind of community we are, and we’re going to need to do that as we come back into Summerland and we see the devastation because everybody’s going to know somebody who has lost a home, and so we’re just going to have to turn this into a positive and use it to unite the community and bring us all together.”
Summerland residents were evacuated to Penticton, where Holmes said emergency support workers were dealing with a large number of evacuees.
“The emergency support services here in Penticton, they’re doing an amazing job. They’re under incredible strain. I don’t think they’ve ever had to deal with an evacuation of 20,000 people before. I know they’re bringing in supports from other parts of the province, but it’s been challenging, the sheer number of people coming here looking to register and provide support.”
The B.C. Wildfire Service reported the Bald Range wildfire at 13,618 hectares, with challenging conditions expected to make firefighting difficult overnight.
Update: Aug. 9, 3:10 p.m.
Latest evacuation orders and evacuation alert numbers as of Sunday, Aug. 9:
The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen reported 1,065 properties under evacuation order and 451 properties under evacuation alert.
Summerland reported 5,688 properties under evacuation order, with no properties under evacuation alert.
The Penticton Indian Band reported 38 properties under evacuation order and 1,082 properties under evacuation alert.
B.C. Wildfire Service update planned for 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9.
Update: Aug. 9, 3 p.m.
Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen communications manager Erick Thompson acknowledged people who have been evacuated since Friday are anxious to check on properties in Summerland and the surrounding areas.
It’s going to “take some days” or maybe longer to get everyone back home as the Bald Range wildfire in the South Okanagan continues to rage.
One of the big questions coming from the community is temporary access.
“Temporary access is something that has to be dealt with and managed,” Thompson said.
“There’s a process in place, and it starts with who needs to get into that area for what reason.
“And that would be a group like Alert to help water and feed some animals who were left behind, because this area is still not safe.”
B.C. Wildfire Service update planned for 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9.
Update: Aug. 9, 12 p.m.
The BC Wildfire Service reports that the Bald Range wildfire had reached 13,618 hectares by 10:46 a.m. on Sunday.
Evacuation orders have expanded to the Brent Lake and Shingle Creek Area, or Electoral Area F.
The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen is directing evacuees to the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre and urging residents to evacuate the area immediately.
Update: Aug. 8, 7 p.m.
Search and rescue volunteers from the Kootenays are heading to the South Okanagan to reinforce emergency crews responding to the Bald Range wildfire.
Six Rossland & District Search and Rescue (RADSAR) members are being deployed to the Penticton and Summerland area to support evacuation efforts as thousands of properties remain under evacuation orders and alerts.
The deployment comes as search and rescue teams, firefighters and other first responders are stretched across B.C.
The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen reported 416 properties under evacuation order and another 1,100 under evacuation alert.
In Summerland, an evacuation order covering the entire community affects 5,688 properties.
The Penticton Indian Band reported an estimated 38 properties under evacuation order and 1,082 properties under evacuation alert.
The B.C. Wildfire Service reported the Bald Range wildfire at 10,340 hectares.
Officials are asking residents and visitors to make responsible decisions about recreation and travel while emergency crews respond to wildfires across the province.
Update: Aug. 8, 7 p.m.
Search and rescue volunteers from the Kootenays are heading to the South Okanagan to reinforce emergency crews responding to the Bald Range wildfire.
Six Rossland & District Search and Rescue (RADSAR) members are being deployed to the Penticton and Summerland area to support evacuation efforts as thousands of properties remain under evacuation orders and alerts.
The deployment comes as search and rescue teams, firefighters and other first responders are stretched across B.C.
The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen reported 416 properties under evacuation order and another 1,100 under evacuation alert.
In Summerland, an evacuation order covering the entire community affects 5,688 properties.
The Penticton Indian Band reported an estimated 38 properties under evacuation order and 1,082 properties under evacuation alert.
The B.C. Wildfire Service reported the Bald Range wildfire at 10,340 hectares.
Officials are asking residents and visitors to make responsible decisions about recreation and travel while emergency crews respond to wildfires across the province.
Update: Aug. 8, 5 p.m.
Thousands of properties remain under evacuation orders and alerts in the South Okanagan as emergency officials continue to monitor the situation.
The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen reported 416 properties under evacuation order and another 1,100 under evacuation alert.
In Summerland, an evacuation order covering the entire community affects 5,688 properties.
The Penticton Indian Band reported an estimated 38 properties under evacuation order and 1,082 properties under evacuation alert.
Update: Aug. 8, 4:30 p.m.
Boaters near Peachland are being asked to stay clear of wildfire suppression aircraft.
Boats and water bombers don’t mix. Recreational boating near B.C. Wildfire Service aircraft can interfere with wildfire suppression efforts and put boaters and aircrews at risk.
Boaters should stay off the lake near active firefighting operations and give B.C. Wildfire Service crews the space they need to protect communities.
Update: Aug. 8, 3:30 p.m.
A dozen properties in the Shingle Creek and IR3A are have been placed on evacuation order or alert by the Penticton Indian Band (PIB).
This EVACUATION ORDER is effective for the following areas:
119 BIG VALLEY RD
851 SHINGLE CREEK RD N
791 SHINGLE CREEK RD
411 BIG VALLEY RD
111 BIG VALLEY RD
795 SHINGLE CREEK RD
An Alert is in place for
121 SHINGLE CREEK RD
279 SHINGLE CREEK RD
105 SHINGLE CREEK RD
111 SHINGLE CREEK RD
101 SHINGLE CREEK RD
The PIB says residents on Order MUST LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY. Members of the PIB Fire Department, RDOS EOC will be assisting with the evacuation. Once evacuated, residents will not be allowed to return to the area until the EVACUATION ORDER has been lifted.
below is a map of the effected area:
Update: Aug. 8, 3 p.m.
The Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen (RDOS) has placed multiple areas on evacuation ALERT.
The latest alert covers properties in the Greater West Bench (Husula Highlands, Sage Mesa, West Bench and Westwood), Kickininee Park (Electoral Area “F”), Brent Lake, Shingle Creek Area (Electoral Area “F”) and Farleigh Lake Road (Electoral Area “I”).
The RDOS says residents under ALERT should prepare to evacuate if necessary. Residents will be given as much advance notice as possible prior to evacuation; however, they may receive limited notice due to changing conditions.
Below are maps of the Areas added to the ALERT:
Update: Aug. 8, 1:30 p.m.
Interior Health (IH) says it has opened a dedicated call centre for families seeking updates on evacuated residents from Dr. Andrew Pavillion and Summerland Seniors Village.
Families can now call 1-833-971-5045 for information about their loved ones. The call centre is open weekends 8 a.m. to 4 p.m and weekdays 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
IH evacuated 48 residents from the Dr. Andrew Pavillion and relocated 190 residents from Summerland Seniors Village on Aug. 8 to alternate locations away from the affected wildfire area.
IH says, if able, it has contacted families directly with updates to share their loved one’s temporary location. Additional community health care providers have also been deployed to the Emergency Support Services centres in Penticton and Kelowna to triage evacuees who need additional care support.
IH says people in the community who need life-threatening emergency care (i.e., chest pains, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding) should always call 911 or visit the Penticton Regional Hospital Emergency Department or Kelowna General Hospital.
The Bald Range wildfire has grown to 10,340 hectares, according to the BC Wildfire Service.
Update: Aug. 8, 8:40 a.m.
The Bald Range wildfire west of Summerland continued its rapid expansion overnight and was estimated at 9,500 hectares Saturday morning, according to the BC Wildfire Service.
The service said the fire broke out late Friday afternoon and grew rapidly amid hot, dry and windy conditions that made forest fuels highly receptive to ignition.
The wildfire continued to exhibit Rank 4 fire behaviour and remained dangerous and volatile, the service said. Winds were carrying embers up to one kilometre ahead of the fire.
Air tankers dropped retardant to help protect structures, but the conditions compromised those efforts, according to the wildfire service.
Structure protection crews remained at the scene overnight to protect buildings in the area.
The fire prompted an evacuation order affecting more than 12,000 people in the District of Summerland late Friday. Evacuees were asked to report to either the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre or Lions Hall in Westbank.
Highway 97 remained closed between Peachland and the Pyramid Picnic Area in Kickininee Provincial Park.
Update: Aug. 8, 3:50 a.m.
Residents in parts of Peachland are under an evacuation alert because of a fire in the Bald Range area.
The alert covers the Peachland watershed and Brenda Mines area, Lower Princeton and the downtown core.
People in the evacuation alert area should be prepared to leave their homes at a moment’s notice and to be away for an extended period. Residents should make arrangements for pets and pack essential items, including medications and important documents.
The following addresses are included in the alert:
- 4900 Brenda Mines Road
- 5503 Glen Lake Forest Service Road
- 6000 Sanderson Avenue
- All properties on Silver Lake Forest Service Road
- 4421-4440 1st Street
- 4402-4479 2nd Street
- 4405-4478 3rd Street
- 4416-4475 4th Street
- 4411-4445 5th Street
- 4445-4460 6th Street
- 5810-5819 Arthur Street
- 5803-5821 Atkinson Crescent
- 5667-5899 Beach Avenue
- 6000-6099 Beatrice Road
- 6160 Brigade Court
- 5808-5832 Brown Place
- 5703-5930 Columbia Avenue
- 5901-5950 Ehlers Road
- 6006-6099 Ellison Avenue
- 6015-6019 Fulks Road
- 6027-6034 Garraway Place
- 6002-6052 Gerrie Road
- 6143-6167 Gillam Crescent
- 5620-5736 Gladstone Road
- 5835-5853 Hackett Road
- 5621 Harrington Court
- 6040-6054 Hawkes Street
- 6201 Heighway Lane
- 4512-6160 Highway 97
- 6042-6095 Jackson Crescent
- 5801-5885 Lakeview Avenue
- 4422-4449 Logan Road
- 5815-5918 MacGregor Road
- 5748-5770 MacKenzie Road
- 4807-4850 McCall Place
- 4751-4776 McLaughlan Place
- 5983-6002 Meldrum Place
- 4624-4724 Minto Street
- 4708-4750 Peachland Place
- 5960-6007 Princess Street
- 4502-4832 Princeton Avenue
- 5868-6152 Sanderson Avenue
- 4784-4790 Seaton Place
- 6100-6196 Seymoure Avenue
- 6050-6079 Siegrist Road
- 2800-6090 Sommerset Avenue
- 6101-6109 Thwaite Crescent
- 5949-6148 Turner Avenue
- 5806-5857 Vicary Road
- 5400-5995 Victoria Street
Residents should consult the detailed evacuation map at https://www.coemergency.ca/map to determine whether their property is affected.
Update: Aug. 8, 2:50 a.m.
Due to the effects of the Bald Range wildfire, power has been lost throughout the District of Summerland.
When it is safe to do so, district staff will work with first responders to restore power.
Update: Aug. 8, 2 a.m.
An evacuation alert for properties on Brenda Mine Road and in the Renfrew and Upper Princeton areas has been upgraded to an evacuation order.
Residents covered by the evacuation order should leave their properties immediately.
The following addresses are included in the order:
- All properties on Aikens Road
- 875 Brenda Mines Road
- All properties on Blacksmith Place
- 6205-6230 Bonnie Lane
- 5268-5323 Bradbury Street
- 4905-4996 Bradley Drive
- 6140-6220 Brigade Court
- 6272-6590 Bulyea Avenue
- All properties on Davies Crescent
- 4948-5079 Elliott Avenue
- 6503-6551 Ferguson Place
- 6311-6352 Forest Hill Drive
- All properties on Gummow Road
- 6204-6212 Haker Place
- 6649 Hardy Street
- 6209-6265 Heighway Lane
- 6444-6711 Highway 97
- 5247 Inga Street
- 6400-6493 Keyes Avenue
- 5002-5414 Law Street
- All properties on Lipsett Avenue
- 6421-6465 Mack Road
- 5135-5225 Maranatha Drive
- 5440-5463 McDougald Road
- 6229-6261 Miller Road
- 4976-4984 Nash Street
- 5357-5495 Pierce Street
- 5115-5253 Pineridge Road
- 6349-6359 Powell Road
- 4809-5436 Princeton Avenue
- 6226-6650 Renfrew Road
- 4932-6293 Sanderson Avenue
- 6482-6568 Sherburn Road
- 5203-5220 Silver Court
- 6404-6485 Stuart Crescent
- 6267 Sundstrom Court
- 5003 Thompson Drive
- 6195-6349 Thompson Drive
- 6691-6789 Thorne Road
- 6306-6376 Topham Place
- 6363-6575 Vernon Avenue
- 6203-6297 Whinton Crescent
- All properties on Wilson Road
- 6325-6391 York Lane
Meanwhile, DriveBC is reporting Highway 97 is closed in both directions due to the wildfire.
DriveBC urged anyone within the closure area who is under an evacuation order to leave immediately, drive with caution and follow directions from emergency crews.
Update Aug. 8, 1:15 a.m.
Penticton officials said there is no threat to the city as people evacuate from the neighbouring District of Summerland.
Anna Melnick, communications manager with the City of Penticton, said the city has opened a reception centre for evacuees.
“At the moment, there is no threat to Penticton, and that is why we have the reception centre set up here at the sports plex, and there is an overflow at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre.”
“Currently we are taking in people that are being evacuated from the District of Summerland right now.”
Melnick said that while the highway remains open, police are directing motorists.
“If you’re going south out of Summerland, the highway is open, but at the moment, the police are turning people around at Sun-Oka Beach to the south just to tell people that you won’t be able to go any further north.”
Residents of Penticton and Summerland are urged to sign up for Voyent Alert! to receive emergency information.
Update Aug. 8, 12:20 a.m.
The District of Summerland issued an evacuation order Saturday for the entire community of about 12,300 people because of the Bald Range wildfire.
The district said residents covered by the order should leave their properties immediately.
Evacuee reception centres were listed at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre, 273 Power St., Penticton; 550 Eckhardt Ave. W., Penticton; and Westbank Lions Community Hall, 2466 Main St., West Kelowna.
The District of Summerland also declared a state of local emergency Aug. 8 under Section 95 of B.C.’s Emergency and Disaster Management Act because of the wildfire.
Update Aug. 8, 12:00 am
The District of Summerland has issued a boil-water advisory as firefighting efforts put significant strain on the water system.
With many farmers in the area, BC Livestock in Okanagan Falls said it is willing to receive evacuated cattle at its property.
BC Livestock said it has space available and can help move livestock out of evacuation areas.
You can access an interactive map of all evacuation orders here.
Update Aug. 7, 11:40 pm
An evacuation order has been expanded to include campgrounds north and south of Okanagan Lake Provincial Park as wildfire conditions worsen in the area.
“B.C. Wildfire is in that area now, talking to campers. It is blowing embers,” officials said.
The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) warned that motorists travelling between Summerland and Peachland could see flames from the highway and should be prepared for a potential highway closure.
“If you don’t need to travel, please don’t. Local traffic only.”
Evacuees are being directed to the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre.
“If you do know people outside of the impacted areas, that is a good thing for now,” officials said.
Evacuees are also encouraged to register for Emergency Support Services.
Update Aug. 7, 10:50 pm
Approximately 55 people have been airlifted from affected areas, including Faulder, as evacuation orders and alerts remain in place in parts of the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) and the District of Summerland.
The RDOS confirmed the approximate number of people airlifted as evacuation measures continue in the region.
“We understand they were airlifted out of where they were and into Summerland to a safe location”
An evacuation order has been issued for upper Summerland by the District of Summerland for areas west of Victoria Road.
Residents are being urged to leave immediately as the fire poses an immediate risk to safety, said Thompson.
“If you live in Summerland and you can see the wildfire, then you know as much as anybody what’s happening, that there’s a threat to property, to life safety so if you can now is the time to go.”
Residents can go to emergency reception centres at the Penticton Trade and Convention Center or the Lions Hall in Westbank.
In RDOS Electoral Area F, 311 properties are currently under an evacuation order, while 461 properties in the District of Summerland are also under an evacuation order.
Another 100 properties in the RDOS are under an evacuation alert.
In the District of Summerland, 1,916 properties remain under an evacuation alert.
Properties under an evacuation order must be vacated, while residents under an evacuation alert should be prepared to leave if conditions change.
Officials caution that the number of properties affected by evacuation orders and alerts is subject to change as the situation develops.
A boil water advisory is expected to come into effect for the District of Summerland as firefighting efforts put a major strain on the water system.
Update Aug. 7, 10:00 pm
Evacuation alerts due to the Bald Range wildfire has been expanded into Peachland as the fire continues to rage on in the south Okanagan with residents in the central Okanagan being put on high alert.
Areas in Peachland that are included in new evacuation alerts include properties in the areas of:
5875 Brenda Mines Rd, 6205 – 6230 Bonnie Lane, 5268 – 5323 Bradbury Street, 4905 – 4996 Bradley Drive, 6140 – 6220 Brigade Court, 6272 – 6590 Bulyea Avenue, 4948 – 5079 Elliott Avenue, 6503 – 6551 Ferguson Place, 6311 – 6352 Forest Hill Drive, 6212 Gummow Road, 6204 – 6212 Haker Place, 6649 Hardy Street, 6209 – 6265 Highway Lane, 6444 – 6711 Highway 97, 5247 Inga Street, 6400 – 6493 Keyes Avenue , 5002 – 5414 Law Street , 6213 – 6266 Lipsett Avenue, 6421 – 6465 Mack Road, 5135 – 5225 Maranatha Drive, 5440 – 5463 McDougald Road, 6229 – 6261 Miller Road, 4976 – 4984 Nash Street, 5357 – 5495 Pierce Street, 5115 – 5253 Pineridge Road, 6349 – 6359 Powell Road, 4809 – 5436 Princeton Avenue, 6226 – 6650 Renfrew Road, 4932 – 6293 Sanderson Avenue, 6482 – 6568 Sherburn Road, 5203 – 5220 Silver Court, 6404 – 6485 Stuart Crescent, 6267 Sundstrom Court, 5003 Thompson Drive, 6195 – 6349 Thompson Drive, 6691 – 6789 Thorne Road, 6306 – 6376 Topham Place, 6363 – 6575 Vernon Avenue, 6203 – 6297 Whinton Crescent and 6325 – 6391 York Lane
RDOS Information officer said situations like this can change quickly and it is important to stay up to date.
“This fire that were dealing with right now is massive the situation is dynamic and if your in Summerland or the RDOS the most up to date information comes from the RDOS information center.”
The District of Summerland is also asking residents to avoid irrigation including for structure protection.
“Residents are asked to not irrigate at this time. High irrigation flows can impact the water treatment plant which in turn could affect fire fighting water flow. If you are irrigating your lawn or field at this time please immediately stop this activity.”
The Bald Range fire broke out and expanded to a size of 50 square kilometres withing three hours.
People who have been forced to evacuate can go to the emergency reception centre at 550 Eckhardt Ave. West in Penticton or at the Lions Community Hall in Westbank
Update Aug. 7, 9:00 pm
The wildfire west of Summerland has quintupled in size in the last 90 minutes, now measuring 5,000 hectares in size.
The fire, which has been named the Bald Range fire by the BC Wildfire Service, has already forced evacuation orders in Summerland and an evacuation alert has expanded to properties in the Peachland areas of 7210 Brent Road to 7100 Brent Road 7280 HWY 97S to 6801 HWY 97S and 307 Log Chute Road to 303 Log Chute Road.
Premier David Eby said he was thinking of people in Summerland as the wildfire threatened the area.
“My thoughts are with the people in the Summerland area and the firefighters and emergency personnel working hard to keep people safe”
People ordered to evacuate can go to emergency reception centres on Eckhardt Avenue West in Penticton or at Lions Community Hall in Westbank.
The Emergency Support Services (ESS) Reception Centre has been relocated from the Summerland Arena, 8820 Jubilee Rd E and is now located at 550 Eckhardt Avenue West in Penticton.
Update Aug. 7, 7:30 pm
A wildfire west of Summerland near Trout Creek has expanded rapidly, growing by about 950 hectares, or 9.5 square kilometres, in roughly 90 minutes.
The fire is now estimated at 1,000 hectares, or 10 square kilometres.
The B.C. Wildfire Service has upgraded the fire behaviour to Rank 5, which includes an organized flame front, a fast rate of spread and moderate- to long-range spotting
The wildfire service said strong winds in the South Okanagan are expected to contribute to continued fire growth.
Structure protection crews are also on scene to protect buildings in the area.
Evacuation orders have been issued for areas around Faulder, extending from the western Summerland boundary west to approximately kilometre 15 of Princeton-Summerland Road, north past Darke Lake and south to Bathville Road.
The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen and Regional District of Central Okanagan have issued evacuation information for affected areas. Residents should consult their local emergency authority to determine whether their property is subject to an order or alert.
RDOS information officer Erik Thompson said saving human lives is the number one priority right now.
“Life safety is the most important thing right now, which is why we are trying to get this information out as quickly as possible”
Thompson added that the fire has seen some of the fastest growth he has ever witnessed.
“We’ve dealt with major fires here before, but this, from what I can recall, is one of the quickest-moving, largest fires in such a short time. That is why information will be key. Don’t rely on Facebook if you don’t know if the information is confirmed from official sources.”
The District of Summerland and Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen are urging residents to stay informed through official emergency updates and the Voyent Alert notification service.
People who have been forced to evacuate can go to the emergency reception centre at Eckhardt Ave. West in Penticton or at the Lions Community Hall in Westbank
Original story Aug. 7, 6:30 pm
A wildfire that broke out west of Summerland near Trout Creek was estimated at 50 hectares late Thursday afternoon.
The fire broke out late in the afternoon and spread very quickly, with the BC Wildfire Service saying the blaze is showcasing rank four fire behaviour, which has moderate to fast speeds with short-ranged spotting.
Firefighters, helicopters and airtankers were responding to the wildfire.
No evacuation orders or alerts had been reported at the time of the original story. The cause of the fire was unknown.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
