Smoke can be seen from the hills above Spallumcheen Thursday, Aug. 10, 2017.
Image Credit: Twitter/ via @Alexpetrie7
Republished August 10, 2017 - 7:05 PM
Original Publication Date August 10, 2017 - 4:15 PM
SPALLUMCHEEN - Crews continue to battle a wildfire that started in the Spallumcheen area this afternoon.
The fire broke out Thursday, Aug. 10 in the Patterson Creek area four kilometres north of Swan Lake and has prompted several evacuation alerts. Smoke is highly visible from Highway 97A.
At roughly 5:20 p.m., Max Birkner from the B.C. Wildfire Service, said the fire was an estimated 2.5 hectares. A 5:39 p.m. release from the Township of Spallumcheen estimated the fire at four hectares. B.C. Wildfire has sent seven firefighters, two helicopters, air tankers and other equipment to the scene and is receiving mutual aid from the Armstrong-Spallumcheen Fire Department. While there are some evacuation alerts in effect, Birkner says no structures are currently threatened. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
As of Thursday evening, the Township said the fire remains at four hectares and cews continue to battle the fire from the air and the ground.
"Bucketing via helicopter will continue until dusk. Fire Watch will be on site throughout the night," the Township said in a release issued at 7:30 p.m.
The Township of Spallumcheen has activated an Emergency Operations Centre at the Municipal office located at 4144 Spallumcheen Way.
An evacuation alert was issued for the following areas: Twin Firs Mobile Home Park, Eagle Rock Mobile Home Park, Belva’s Mobile Home Park, Meadow Ridge Mobile Home Park, McLennan Road and Keddleston Road.
To ensure the safety of local residents and members of the fire crew, Hutley Road South has been closed to all traffic until further notice, the Township says. Hutley Road North and Head Road continue to be local traffic only. RCMP patrols will be in the area.
Evacuation and road information can change quickly. Click here for the latest information from the Township of Spallumcheen.
Photos posted to Twitter show fire trucks at the scene and one person says burnt leaves are falling from the sky.
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News from © iNFOnews, 2017