Industry News News
Southern B.C. wildfire grows, thousands now on evacuation notice

First published: August 19, 2020 at 12:50. UPDATED: August 20.

Following a wildfire outbreak Tuesday afternoon southeast of Penticton, B.C., hundreds of residents in British Columbia’s southern Okanagan region have been forced to evacuate their homes on short notice, reports the CBC.

The wildfire, which grew from 250 hectares to nearly 10 square kilometres within hours, forced the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen to order 319 properties to evacuate immediately. Shortly after, the city of Penticton issued an evacuation alert for almost 3,700 properties close to Skaha Lake. To date, one home has been destroyed.

We’re signing off for the evening with an update on the Christie Mountain Wildfire (K51287) burning N of Okanagan Falls on the East side of Skaha Lake. The fire perimeter was tracked this evening and the size is now estimated to be 1000 hectares (1/3). pic.twitter.com/ORaue0R3VH

— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) August 19, 2020

Advertisement

In a statement to CBC, Fire Information officer, Taylor MacDonald said there are 86 firefighters battling the fire along with the Penticton Fire Department. She added that there are nine helicopters assisting, but poor visibility has been effecting their operations.

Read the full story here.