UPDATE: Firefighters gaining ground on Huckleberry fire

KELOWNA – Fire fighters appear to be gaining control of a large fire near Heartland Ranch in Joe Rich.

A release this morning says containment guards appear to be holding and the fire didn't grow much over night. It's still estimated at 80 hectares in size. Some 14 structural firefighters from Joe Rich Fire Rescue worked with 10 more firefighters from forestry. B.C. Wildfire reports the fire is still uncontained but that there retardant around 75 per cent of the fire perimeter. It reports a total of 60 firefighters will hit the fire today in addition to support staff and additional air support.

The fire is in the area of Goudie Road near Huckleberry Road. 

Some homes have already been evacuated and the fire department is attempting to defend them against advancing flames.

Emergency crews are requesting that motorists avoid the area.

Traffic along Highway 33 East in 5900 block is being greatly affected as crews are on scene fighting to extinguish the fire. The road is closed at the Black Mountain turnoff.

Motorists are asked to find an alternate route until further notice. The cause of the fire is not yet known.

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— This story is being constantly updated as information becomes available. 

To contact the reporter for this story, email John McDonald at jmcdonald@infonews.ca or call 250-808-0143. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.