Lightning storm blamed for six new fires across Thompson-Okanagan | iNFOnews | Thompson-Okanagan's News Source
Subscribe

Would you like to subscribe to our newsletter?

Kamloops News

Lightning storm blamed for six new fires across Thompson-Okanagan

Image Credit: FILE PHOTO

THOMPSON-OKANAGAN - Lightning is being blamed for sparking half a dozen new fires in the Kamloops Fire Centre yesterday.

B.C. Wildfire says six new spot fires started following last night's lightning storm, June 27, and there is a threat more could be sparked this week.

Information officer Rachel Witt says three new fires started in Penticton, two in Merritt, and one in Vernon.

All of the fires are under one hectare, but Witt says the problem with lightning is that some fires could be sparked days after it strikes.

No structures are at risk right now, but that could change by the end of this week due to a streak of hot, dry weather in the forecast. Witt encourages anyone who sees signs of a fire to contact B.C. Wildfire.

“People should still be aware there might be lightning starts," Witt says. "There’s definitely potential in the next couple of days we’ll be seeing some more lightning.”

Last week the fire danger rating for Kamloops Fire Centre was low, but it has already increased in some areas to moderate. Witt says there are some pockets of high danger in areas such as Salmon Arm, Lillooet and Clearwater.


To contact a reporter for this story, email Ashley Legassic or call 250-319-7494 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above. 

News from © iNFOnews, 2016
iNFOnews

  • Popular vernon News
View Site in: Desktop | Mobile