Search KelownaNow
BCWS is attending to a new fire that sparked near Summerland this afternoon which has already introduced an Evacuation Alert to nearby properties.
The Darke Creek wildfire is approximately 15 kilometres northwest of the town of Summerland and only seven kilometres north of the Princeton-Summerland highway.
BCWS' most recent report maps the fire at a small five hectares with six ground personnel, airtankers and two helicopters devoted to the site. Personnel will remain at the fire overnight.
A new ~4 ha #BCwildfire near Darke Creek is currently burning ~15 km NW of #Summerland & 7 km north of the Princeton-Summerland hwy.
— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) August 20, 2018
We are responding with six ground personnel, airtankers and two helicopters. More updates will be provided as they become available.
Despite the size, the fire has been deemed a threat to properties in the area; therefore, the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen has issued an Evacuation Alert to properties in the Darke Valley area, including Darke Lake Provincial Park.
"Due to the threat of wildfire in the vicinity of Darke Lake Valley, north of Faulder in Electoral Area 'F;' and because of the potential danger to life, health and property damage, the [RDOS] has issued an Evacuation Alert," reads a release from the RDOS.
#Evacuation Alert issued by the Regional District
— Emergency Info BC (@EmergencyInfoBC) August 21, 2018
of #Okanagan #Similkameen for Darke Valley Area, including Darke Lake Provincial Park. https://t.co/vjTljV0ORZ #BCwildfire #OkanaganBC
https://t.co/ger9RKBxY6
RDOS reports that some of the same residents included in the 21 properties that were issued the order were also affected by the Mount Eneas fire that was burning in the Okanagan area last month.
"We appreciate how the high activity of wildfires and the amount of smoke in the area can make residents feel uneasy. We want to thank all residents for preparations and patience during this time."
If you get value from KelownaNow and believe local independent media is important to our community we ask that you please consider subscribing to our daily newsletter.
If you appreciate what we do, we ask that you consider supporting our local independent news platform.