(UPDATE: July 25 @ 8:40 a.m.) - There are still 32 BC Wildfire firefighters working on mopping up the Mount Conkle wildfire.
The blaze has stayed put at 118 hectares for a few days now and is still considered held.
Today's objectives are to suppress the fire burning in cracks and crevices of a number of small, steep canyons.
No evacuation orders or alerts are in place at this time.
(UPDATE: July 24 @ 9 p.m.) - Mount Conkle has had no further developments since this afternoon.
NowMedia will continue to observe the wildfire until it is fully contained or has been extinguished.
(UPDATE: July 24 @ 1:10 p.m.) - The number of personnel battling the Mount Conkle wildfire near Summerland continues to decrease.
The fire is now considered held at 118 hectares, as no more growth is anticipated.
"Crews will continue to extend hose lays and mop up perimeter to 100 feet," reads the Tuesday update from BC Wildfire. "This fire has lots of fingers that crews are dealing with and it can be spotty."
Like most of the current fires in the Okanagan Valley, this blaze started one week ago during a Tuesday night lightning storm.
(UPDATE: July 23 @ 9:15 p.m.) - BC Wildfire classifies this wildfire as being held and does not anticipate further growth due to weather and suppression tactics.
This fire has responded well to suppression efforts. It is currently 90% hand and machine guarded with hose lined around the majority of the fire.
Currently, 48 firefighters remain on the fire.
(UPDATE: July 22 @10 a.m.) - Progress continues to be made at the Mount Conkle wildfire located southwest of Summerland.
It is still estimated at 118 hectares, and BC Wildfire Service reports that, much like the other fires in the region, they haven’t seen significant growth with the weather conditions.
There are 40 firefighters assigned to this fire. It is currently 90% hand and machine guarded with hose lined around the majority of the fire.
(UPDATE: July 21, 2018 @ 3:15 p.m.) - According to BC Wildfire Service, the Mount Conkle wildfire is now estimated to be 118 hectares.
At this time, the fire is not considered interface.
There are currently 40 firefighters on the scene.
BC Wildfire Service says that suppression efforts have been responding well and progress is continuing to be made.
(UPDATE: July 20, 2018 @ 10:25 a.m.) - The Mount Conkle wildfire is still estimated at under 100 hectares, but is still active.
Today's size estimate is 90 hectares, and the fire is not considered interface. No homes or structures are threatened at this times.
There are 20 firefighters at the scene, and BC Wildfire Service says the fire has responded well to suppression efforts. It is 90% hand and machine guarded and 60% hose lined. Yesterday, helicopters actioned the fire and will return today if deemed necessary.
The fire has several good water sources and good road access, which has contributed to the success of the crews on this fire, adds BC Wildfire.
(UPDATE: July 19 @ 10:30 p.m.) - Over the course of Tuesday, the Mount Conkle wildfire to the southwest of Summerland has grown to just under 100 hectares, sized up at approximately 93 hectares.
However, the increase in size is largely attributed to fire suppression efforts, reports BC Wildfire Services, and they anticipate more growth as firefighters work to suppress the blaze, noting, "Crews have made good progress toward containing this fire."
No structures are currently threatened by the wildfire at this time.
(UPDATE: July 19, 2018 @ 9:22 a.m.) - The Mount Conkle wildfire is now estimated at 80 hectares in size.
The growth on this fire since yesterday is mainly the result of fire suppression tactics. Additional growth is anticipated at suppression efforts continue. Today, 22 personnel will be onsite at this fire and they are being supported by heavy equipment. Air support will be provided if needed.
Mount Conkle #BCwildfire (K51243) ~8 km SW of #Summerland is ~80 ha. The fire is highly visible, but no structures are considered threatened at this time. 22 personnel & heavy equipment will be on site today. Air support will be provided if needed. Info: https://t.co/jO73USO6tL
— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) July 19, 2018
(Original Story: July 18, 2018)
Multiple wildfire started in the Okanagan yesterday with the lightning storm. One of the larger fires, the Mount Conkle fire, is now considered noteworthy.
The blaze is estimated at 50 hectares and is located near Shingle Creek Road, according to the BC Wildfire Service.
The wildfire is not currently considered an interface fire, but is highly visible.
The BC Wildfire Service is responding with 42 personnel, 3 helicopters, heavy equipment and air tankers to help with suppression efforts.
The #BCWildfire Service continues to respond to new wildfires across the province after yesterday's widespread lightning event (see map). Updates are provided, with more information to come. Pictured is the Dog Creek Trail wildfire burning NW of Vanderhoof. pic.twitter.com/e2GeCS9ecm
— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) July 18, 2018
BC Wildfire Service gave an update this morning, reporting a total of 22 new fires in the Kamloops Fire Centre. They are responding with all available resources today to assist around the Okanagan and Similkameen.
They are expecting more thunderstorms and dry lightning in the north Kamloops, Vernon, Lillooet and North Thompson zones today.
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