UPDATE: 8:45 p.m.
The Walroy Lake wildfire burning in North Kelowna remains at 769 hectares.
However, there are reports of structures ablaze on Begbie Road.
Social media reports indicate flames coming from a barn in North Glenmore at about 6:30 p.m.
According to BC Wildfire, there are currently seven operational field staff and 12 firefighters responding to the incident.
The Kelowna Fire Department and 17 additional structure protection personnel are also on scene.
UPDATE 12:35 p.m.
A total of 2,057 properties are on evacuation order, and an additional 5,053 are on alert, due to the Walroy Lake wildfire in Kelowna’s Glenmore neighbourhood, according to Mayor Tom Dyas.
In BC Wildfire’s newest mapping as of 12:13 p.m., the blaze is up to 769 hectares and is displayed rank 2 (moderate) behaviour. The blaze is started to move down a slope towards homes but structure protection crews are positioned around the fire’s perimeter, monitor the fire activity.
The fire showed limited growth overnight, with the majority of growth happening at the south flank.
Crews and helicopters are working throughout the day to limit the spread of the fire, with the properties being the northwest corner and south flank.
BC Wildfire Services and Transport Canada would like to remind the public the use of drones in wildfire area is illegal.
UPDATE 11:30 a.m.
On top of ground crews battling the blaze, aerial support has begun on the Walroy Lake wildfire.
All evacuations remain the same.
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Original
The Walroy Lake wildfire is the Glenmore neighbourhood of Kelowna is continuing to burn as fire crews continued to work throughout the night.
The last update from BC Wildfire on Friday evening (Aug. 18) stated the blaze is sitting at 580 hectares and remains out of control.
Hundreds of homes have been evacuated in North Glenmore, Clifton and Wilden area and stretch to the UBC Okanagan.
Many in the area are on evacuation alert also, meaning residents must be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.
The latest evacuation alert from Central Okanagan Emergency Services was put in place just after 11 p.m. for the Glenmore Highlands, including Valley Road to Highway 97, extending from parts of Shanks Road, down west of Highway 97 and over to Valley Road and Glenmore Road.
This area includes the Kelowna Airport Business Park, Pier Mac Way, Airport Way, and Scenic Road.
Regional District of the Central Okanagan evacuation map. (CORD)
All evacuation orders and alerts can be found on the Central Okanagan Emergency Operations website.
Both the City of Kelowna and the provincial government have issued a state of emergency.
Residents, unless they are evacuated, or require emergency or essential travel, are asked to stay off roads to keep them clear for emergency response.
Black Press Media will keep up to date throughout the day.
READ MORE: OKANAGAN WILDFIRES: What you need to know for Saturday, Aug. 19
@cunninghamjordy
jordy.cunningham@kelownacapnews.com
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