Fire is spreading quickly off the highway.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Dell Meredith
September 07, 2020 - 2:22 PM
The BC Wildfire Service said the Westridge Road fire, which is around 9.5 kilometres south of Vernon, is estimated to be 35 hectares in size.
Smoke rising from a fire north of Kekuli Bay, on the west side of Highway 97 is turning heads but officials are asking that people stay clear of the area.
Vernon Fire Rescue Services and the BC Wildfire Service are currently responding to a grass fire north of Kekuli Bay, on the west side of Highway 97 that was caused by a vehicle.
"Firefighters are currently managing the fire, however, they are experiencing difficulties with traffic levels in the area," the City of Vernon said in a press release.
To assist firefighters with their response, please avoid travelling along Highway 97 and the side roads near the fire scene, officials said.
They are also asking all boaters and water users to clear the area near Kekuli Bay on Kalamalka Lake, where emergency responders are using water from the lake to fight the grass fire on the west side of HWY 97.
Three helicopters and an air tanker are currently drawing water from Kalamalka Lake.
Witnesses say that the fire started from a truck that caught fire across the Highway 97 exit to Kekuli bay and it spread quickly toward the Predator Ridge sign.
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