Wildfire Near Keremeos Grows to 160 Hectares

Photo from an airtanker on July 2nd. (Photo Credit: BC Wildfire Management Branch)

Update: The wildfire grew to 160 hectares overnight, says an update from just before 9 a.m. from BC Wildfire Service. Officials are still monitoring and resources are still reallocated to other high priority fires in the Okanagan.

Original Story:

The Newby Lake wildfire has now grown and remains zero per cent contained.

The wildfire started 20 km south of Keremeos on Thursday, July 2nd. Though the fire was 90 hectares from crossing from the Snowy Protected Area in Canada into the United States on Friday morning, it has since grown to 120 hectares.

This fire was caused by lightning and is currently burning in the remote wilderness. The BC Wildfire Service is actively monitoring the blaze and assessing potential wildfire response tactics. Fire Officers are working with U.S. partners to coordinate response.

Photo Credit: BC Wildfire Management Branch

As of Friday night, resources for this wildfire have been reallocated to other high priority fires in the Okanagan. BC Wildfire Service says they will continue to monitor the fire and resources will be assigned as they become available.

Residents are able to see smoke from the fire from Highway 3 and communities in the South Okanagan.

Photo Credit: BC Wildfire Management Branch