UPDATE: Evac orders, alerts surround Sugar Lake due to rapidly-growing wildfire

(UPDATE: July 23 @ 5:15 pm) – Evacuation orders have been issued due to a wildfire burning in the North Okanagan.

On Tuesday evening, the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) issued an evacuation order for the eastside of Sugar Lake, which is east of Cherryville.

The new evacuation order is due to the Sitkum Creek wildfire (#K41109).

The RDNO says the order is in place for the seasonal recreation properties within Sugar Lake Resort located at 1630 Sugar Lake Road, which was previously on alert.

Members of the RCMP will be carrying out the evacuation order.

“Evacuees will not have access to their properties while the Order is in place; therefore, bring your pets and important items with you,” a news release from the RDNO says.

“All lands east of Sugar Lake, from the southern end to the northern tip, and from the east shore to a line north south-through Initiative Peak. This region includes all sites within Sugar Lake Resort at 1630 Sugar Lake Road.”

An evacuation alert is in place for all recreation properties on the westside of Sugar Lake, which means residents should be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.

For an interactive map showing the Evacuation areas, visit the RDNO’s online wildfire map portal.

(Original story: July 23 @ 2:15 pm) – A wildfire burning in the North Okanagan has seen significant growth since yesterday.

According to the BC Wildfire Service, the Sitkum Creek fire is now estimated at 1,501 hectares.

On Monday, it was estimated at 58 hectares.

The lightning-caused wildfire remains out of control and is approximately 20 or so kilometres away from the small community of Cherryville of Highway 6.

Although the fire is not threatening any structures, the Regional District of North Okanagan issued an evacuation alert on Monday.

The alert is for:

• All lands east of Sugar Lake, from the southern end to the northern tip, and from the east shore of to a line north south-through Initiative Peak.

• This region includes all sites within Sugar Lake Resort at 1630 Sugar Lake Road.

Since then, no other evacuation orders or alerts have been issued.

However, the BCWS recommends people check park status by visiting the BC Parks Advisory website.