UPDATE: North Okanagan wildfire evacuation orders rescinded

UPDATE July 8, 6:59 a.m.: Evacuations in the Township of Spallumcheen were rescinded last night and residents were allowed to return home while remaining on evacuation alert. More updates are expected today.

ORIGINAL July 7, 3:41 p.m.: Fire crews are battling a wildfire in Spallumcheen this afternoon that has already sparked evacuations in the area.

The blaze, west of Otter Lake, was discovered around 2 p.m. today, July 7, and the township ordered 18 properties to evacuate at 3:15 p.m.

The fire, which is estimated to be just under a hectare in size, is west of Page Road and properties on Round Lake Road and Grandview Flats Road were ordered to evacuate. Sixteen more properties are on evacuation alert.

BC Wildfire Service fire information officer Taylor Shantz said members of the local fire department are on the scene along with wildfire personnel.

She said air tankers and a helicopter are working the fire.

Go here for more updates on Spallumcheen evacuation alerts and orders.

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