Update July 19, 12 p.m.:
The evacuation alert for the Mabel Lake fire burning near Lumby remains in place as the fire is not listed at 600 hectares.
The Regional District of North Okanagan is continuing to monitor this situation and will provide another update on July 20 at 12 p.m.
Seven B.C. Wildfire Service personnel remained on the fire late yesterday evening to monitor the blaze and today seven personnel will work alongside industry to ensure the control lines hold. Industry is building guard in conjunction with the B.C. Wildfire Service.
“Crews were able to make good progress on the fire yesterday, constructing guard on the north and south ends of the west flank, widening existing road ways and working on small hot spots in a plantation east of the fire,” the Wildfire Service said.
Update: July 17, 12:00 p.m.
There have been no significant changes overnight to the wildfire burning north of Lumby.
The evacuation alert issued by the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) for the Bunting Road fire on July 16 is still in effect.
The RDNO expects to provide another update on July 18 at 12 p.m.
Original story:
A wildfire burning north of Lumby has grown substantially and has nearby residents on evacuation alert.
The Bunting Road fire near Mabel Lake is now listed at 277 hectares and out of control.
An Evacuation alert was issued Friday, July 16 around 4 p.m. by Regional District of North Okanagan.
“The alert is to prepare you to evacuate your premises or property should it be found necessary,” the regional district said. “Residents will be given as much advance notice as possible prior to evacuation; however, you may receive limited notice due to changing conditions.”
The alert applies to the 10,000-17,000 blocks of Mabel Lake Forest Service Road, including properties known as Cottonwoods, where there are a number of homes and cabins in the area.
The next update will be provided Saturday, July 17 at 12 p.m.
Along with growth in the fire, the change is due to more accurate mapping of the blaze by B.C. Wildfire Service crews who have been busy fighting the fires and have not been able to update their status as regularly.
The fire was reported yesterday, Thursday July 15 as 40 hectares. Six personnel, a helicopter and heavy equipment were tackling that fire at that time.
READ MORE: Suspected campfire sparks in Lumby
READ MORE: Special air quality statement continues in Okanagan due to wildfire smoke
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Fires smoke on the hills above Mabel Lake July 13, as seen from the Enderby side from the marina. (Bruce Ingelson photo)
An evacuation alert has been issued for residents along the Mabel Lake forest service road due to a large wildfire in the area. (RDNO map)
The Bunting Road fire burning above a number of cabins on Mabel Lake, where residents remain on evacuation alert. (Randy Smith photo)
THe Bunting Road fire burning above a number of cabins on Mabel Lake, where residents remain on evacuation alert. (Randy Smith photo)
