Wildfire in South Okanagan Spreads to More Than 850 Hectares

A blaze burning south of Keremeos continues to grow in size.

The Newby Lake fire is now estimated at 858 hectares from 588 hectares on Monday and remains zero per cent contained. The blaze, which had spread from the Snowy Protected Area to the United States by Friday, continues to light up the remote wilderness. The BC Wildfire Service reallocated most of the resources from this fire to other high priority fires in the Okanagan.

The Newby Lake fire. (Photo Credit: BC Wildfire Service)

One firefighter and one helicopter are on the scene Wednesday from BC Wildfire Service, and a fire official assessed the wildfire in the morning. Smoke continues to be visible from Highway 3 and communities in the South Okanagan.

For the U.S. portion, the U.S. Forest Service reported Wednesday that dry timber on steep, rocky terrain is making fire suppression efforts difficult. The blaze has crossed the Loomis State Forest boundary in the area of Snowshow Meadow. Hand crews from the U.S. are working multiple fronts, trying to build a direct fire line at the eastern edge. Seven helicopters are checking the spread with water bucket drops.

The Newby Lake fire is at 858 hectares. (Photo Credit: BC Wildfire Service)

The other fire in the area, the Ashnola Road fire, has also continued to grow. The previous 100-hectare fire is now estimated at 147 hectares and is zero per cent contained. BC Wildfire Service has been using helicopters and firefighters to establish a guard as the fire moves up slope in a northerly direction. At the scene on Wednesday are 32 firefighters and five airtankers.

Currently the entire province is on a campfire ban. If you see smoke or flames, call 1-800-663-5555 or *5555.

Smoke coming off the Newby Lake fire. (Photo Credit: BC Wildfire Service)