Evacuation alert issued for south Similkameen

KEREMEOS – A rapidly expanding wildfire in the Similkameen has prompted expansion of an evacuation alert for the South Similkameen Valley.

The Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen reports today, July 31, the Snowy Mountain wildfire has increased in size, resulting in B.C. Wildfire recommending a precautionary evacuation alert for the Cawston and Keremeos areas.

The potential for burning embers to float for several kilometres and spark fires along the valley bottom is very real.

Ash and smoke is visible in the Similkameen and South Okanagan valleys.

The precautionary alert extends to 481 additional properties and includes homes south and west of Highway 3 from 1143 Highway 3 south of Cawston to the Fas Gas service station at 3163 Highway 3, west of Keremeos.

Homes in Electoral Areas “G,” “B,” and Keremeos are included.

The Lower Similkameen Indian Band is also issuing evacuation alerts.

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