Several fires continue to burn in the South Okanagan and Similkameen

PENTICTON  – As crews continue to make progress on the Mount Eneas wildfire, several other fires continue to burn in the South Okanagan and Similkameen.

The B.C. Wildfire Service reports this morning, July 23, that crews on the Mount Conkle wildfire, burning eight kilometres southwest of Summerland, continue to make good progress controlling the blaze.

The fire is now 90 per cent hand and machine guarded, with hose lined around the majority of the fire's perimeter.

The fire was started by lightning July 17 and is not considered an interface fire.

It is being actioned by 48 firefighters.

The Placer Mountain fire continues to burn 37 kilometres south of Princeton. The 320-hectare fire is not confined, and is being fought by 22 firefighters, four helicopters and eight pieces of heavy equipment.

Fire guards are being constructed along the fire’s northern perimeter, and crews are hoping to proceed with a controlled burn. An assessment for a machine guard along the south and east flanks of the fire is being undertaken.

The lightning-caused fire saw little growth overnight.

A fire on Snowy Mountain in the Snowy Protected Area 14 kilometres south of Keremeos continues to burn and is now at 1,360 hectares.

B.C. Wildfire is monitoring the blaze and taking no suppressive efforts at this time.

The fire is burning at high elevations and is not considered an interface fire.

The fire has resulted in the closure of the Ewart and Wall Creek Trail systems in the area.

For the latest on wildfire activity across the province, go here.

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