Evacuation alert issued due to wildfire near Mabel Lake in North Okanagan

An evacuation alert has been issued for residents in the Mabel Lake area in the North Okanagan due to wildfire in the area.

The Regional District of North Okanagan issued an evacuation alert for residents along Mabel Lake Road, including Cottonwoods this afternoon, July 16.

The North Okanagan's Emergency Operations Centre has been activated due to a wildfire on the east side of Mabel Lake.

The Bunting Road wildfire is currently 277 hectares in size and is classified as out of control. It was discovered July 7 and the cause of the fire is unknown, according to the B.C. Wildfire Service.

The evacuation alert is for: the 10,000 block to 17,000 block of Mabel Lake Forest Service Road, also known as Lumby Mabel Lake, including properties known as Cottonwoods.

An evacuation alert has been issued to prepare residents to evacuate the premises or property should it be found necessary, the regional district said. Residents will be given as much advance notice as possible prior to evacuation; however they may receive limited notice due to changing conditions.

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