Lightning caused the Christie Mountain wildfire in Penticton

Investigation of the Christie Mountain wildfire’s origin has concluded the fire was caused by lightning.

B.C. Wildfire reported the conclusions of fire origin and cause specialists in an updated report on the wildfire yesterday, Aug. 27. They say all human causes have been ruled out.

The fire has burned 2,122.5 hectares since it was first discovered Aug. 18, and has been considered a Rank 1, smouldering ground fire since Aug 25. The change in fire size is due to better mapping, not because it's still growing.

It is now classified as ‘being held.’

A number of evacuation alerts and an evacuation order for the fire have all been rescinded.

A crew of 213 firefighters, 12 helicopters and three pieces of heavy equipment continue to work the fire, putting out hotspots, building guard and back burning.

An area restriction order continues around the fire.


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Steve Arstad

I have been looking for news in the South Okanagan - SImilkameen for 20 years, having turned a part time lifelong interest into a full time profession. After five years publishing a local newsletter, several years working as a correspondent / stringer for several local newspapers and seven years as editor of a Similkameen weekly newspaper, I joined iNFOnews.ca in 2014. My goal in the news industry has always been to deliver accurate and interesting articles about local people and places. My interest in the profession is life long - from my earliest memories of grade school, I have enjoyed writing.
As an airborne geophysical surveyor I travelled extensively around the globe, conducting helicopter borne mineral surveys.
I also spent several years at an Okanagan Falls based lumber mill, producing glued-wood laminated products.
As a member of the Kaleden community, I have been involved in the Kaleden Volunteer Fire Department for 22 years, and also serve as a trustee on the Kaleden Irrigation District board.
I am currently married to my wife Judy, of 26 years. We are empty-nesters who enjoy living in Kaleden with our Welsh Terrier, Angus, and cat, Tibbs.
Our two daughters, Meagan and Hayley, reside in Richmond and Victoria, respectively.

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