Fire season flares to life in Okanagan with 20 new wildfires

OKANAGAN – Lightning caused 20 new fires in the Okanagan as last night’s storm rolled through and some of them can be seen smouldering on the valley slopes.

B.C. Wildfire fire information officer Marla Catherall could speak only generally to the situation today, July 18, and lacked specific information about the fires which occurred primarily in the south between Kelowna and Penticton.

“We are responding with all the necessary resources today including air tankers, helicopters, ground crews and rap-attack personnel brought in from other areas of the province and the fire centre,” Catherall said.

As the storm passed over the valley, new fires were reported throughout the valley in places like Joe Rich near Kelowna, Summerland, Glenrosa in West Kelowna, Keremeos and BX in Vernon.

The fire burning in the BX area in Vernon does not appear to have progressed overnight and does not look like it's posing any imminent threats.

Three small fires can clearly be seen from Highway 97 in West Kelowna burning along the east side of Okanagan Lake near Naramata and Okanagan Mountain Park.

Some homes near Crystal Mountain in West Kelowna are on evacuation alert but no structures have been reported as under immediate threat.

Catherall said B.C. Wildfire would be updating information on individual fires as crews reach them and complete their assessments.

It's going to be another hot day in the Okanagan with the mercury climbing to around 33 Celsius and there is a risk of thunderstorms this evening.

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