Fire is moving up the mountain behind Yates Road.

(JOHN MCDONALD / iNFOnews.ca)

KELOWNA - Fire crews have managed to hold the interface fire in Glenmore but evacuation alerts in the community of Wilden and area will remain.

Central Okanagan Emergency Operations says the fire is not expected to escape its boundaries. B.C. wildfire estimates the fire at roughly three hectares. Firefighters will be on scene through the night keeping an eye on it. 

Global Okanagan is reporting that the fire was caused by kids playing with a lighter. See their story here. 

Flames are no longer visible, though there's still plenty of smoke in the area. Firefighters were called out just before 1 p.m. today to reports of a grass fire just behind 450 Yates Road which quickly burned up the mountain slope towards Wilden and the Coyote Trail.

The fire was highly visible from Glenmore and dozens of neighbours were out watching the fire in the heat of the afternoon as light winds shifted the direction of the fire several times.

From below, firefighters could be seen scrambling across steep slopes with fire hoses, pausing only when the air tankers dropped a load of retardant. B.C Wildfire said it had air tankers and helicopters as well as 10 personnel assisting Kelowna Fire Department.

Homes closest to the fire have already been evacuated and residents are not being allowed into their homes.

"They said they would arrest me if I tried to go in," said a man named Kit, from behind police tape. He was enjoying a dip in a friend's pool when his daughter called to tell him there was a forest fire behind his house.

He wasn't too concerned and said he thought crews were doing a good job containing the fire.

"The only thing is the house is for sale," he said.

Yates Road is closed to traffic and residents are being escorted to their homes as necessary.

Central Okanagan Emergency Operations issued the alert for all residents of Wilden and another 933 properties that access the Wilden area via Rio, Upper Canyon or Union Road. You should be prepared to leave your home immediately and for an extended period of time. 

Residents are being asked to avoid the area. For more information on evacuation alerts, including a map of affected properties, go to cordemergency.ca

We will have more information as it becomes available. 

Image Credit: SUBMITTED/James Anderson

Image Credit: SUBMITTED/James Anderson

Image Credit: SUBMITTED/James Anderson

— This story is being updated as news happens. 

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