UPDATE: Wildfire burning west of Okanagan Falls, highway has reopened

PENTICTON – A wildfire has broken out between Okanagan Falls and Kaleden.

B.C. Wildfire has been responding to a new wildfire start on the west side of Okanagan Falls on request of the Okanagan Falls Fire Department this afternoon, Aug. 31.

Drive B.C. reports Highway 97, closed for several hours this evening, is now open.

The estimated size of the fire at this time is now about seven hectares It is not threatening any structures, though it is within the fire department jurisdiciton.

Wildfire crews are working with Okanagan Falls firefighters to build guards and establish hose lay.

Wildfire crews, air tankers and a helicopter are reportedly responding, as well as the Okanagan Falls Fire Department.

The fire is reportedly burning off Green Lake Road, and is suspected to be human-caused. 

—This story was updated on Friday, Aug. 31 at 5:31 p.m., at 6:40, at 7:20  and again at 9 p.m.to add new information.

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