BC Wildfire Service reports new fire in South Okanagan

The BC Wildfire Service says it is responding to a new wildfire in the southern Okanagan.

The Blue Mountain wildfire is located approximately seven kilometers west of Penticton, BC and approximately 15 kilometers north of the Keremeos Creek wildfire.

According to BC Wildfire, the fire is estimated to be 10 hectares in size.

“It shows aggressive rank 4 behavior with an organized flame front and candling with close-range spotting,” BCWS said.

“Crews and air resources are responding. Smoke in the area will be highly visible from this wildfire and from wildfires burning along the US border.”

In related news, the BCWS says the Okanagan is currently experiencing strong winds and the Keremeos Creek fire is increasing on the southwest side because of this.

The fire – estimated at 7,042 hectares although considered contained – is showing stage two and three fire behavior.

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