A screengrab from a slow motion video taken on a cell phone during the lightning storm that came across the Okanagan on July 17. The photographer was at a residence on Hayman Road in Naramata and caught this lightning strike just north of Naramata around the Indian Rock area. Courtesy of Steve Taylor

A screengrab from a slow motion video taken on a cell phone during the lightning storm that came across the Okanagan on July 17. The photographer was at a residence on Hayman Road in Naramata and caught this lightning strike just north of Naramata around the Indian Rock area. Courtesy of Steve Taylor

Increased smoke from Naramata wildfire

A wildfire burning 10 kilometres northwest of Naramata on Glenfir Road has grown

UPDATE: 6:12 p.m.

The Glenfir Road fire burning near Naramata is producing a lot of smoke this evening, according to the BC Wildfire Service.

The reason for the smoke is as a result of fuel burning in crevices and small steep canyons.

No structures are threatened at this time and this is not an interface fire.

The blaze is estimated at 32 hectares in size; BC Wildfire is on scene with six firefighters and two helicopters along with airplane skimmers.

There is a potential for this fire to spread due to terrain and possible forecasted winds.

If evening winds pick up in the area BC Wildfire is predicting the blaze to move in a southernly direction.

Winds proved to be challenging to crews yesterday, especially in the gulley, which is why helicopters were used on Tuesday.

Fire crews are working hot spots at the bottom side of the blaze.

BC Wildfire will not have crews on scene overnight for this blaze, only the Mount Eneas wildfire.

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A wildfire burning 10 kilometres northwest of Naramata on Glenfir Road is starting to pick up again.

The fire, which was caused by lightning strikes last week, has grown to an estimated 33 hectares and BC Wildfire is currently actioning it with air support.

Related: Okanagan wildfires – Tuesday morning update on wildfires and evacuations

“We have got firefighters working on it and it has taken up a bit so we are throwing skimmers and air support on it now. Anyone in that area is probably getting a bit of air show right now,” said Noelle Kekula, spokesperson with BC Wildfire.

Kekula said one of the biggest challenges BC Wild fire facing is the steep terrain in the area.

Related: Wildfires near Keremeos continue to grow

“What we are trying to do is deluge it with water so it prevents it from creeping up and trying to expand. We are also trying to put guards around it but the steep terrain and rock is making it difficult. We are now looking at using other techniques to reduce the fire,” said Kekula.

The fire is producing smoke as a result of fuel burning in crevices and small steep canyons.

While she said there are structures nearby, there is BC Wildfire personnel monitoring the situation. The six firefighting personnel on the ground are being supported by two helicopters and skimmers.

Kekula said there is a few smaller fires still in that area as well but they have either all being held or held.


Kristi Patton | Editor

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