Mount Conkle wildfire near Summerland continues to grow

UPDATE: 8:51 p.m.

The Mount Conkle wildfire is now an estimated 90 hectares, increasing 10 hectares since 4:30 p.m.

The BC Wildfire Service is on scene with 20 personnel, six pieces of heavy equipment and seven helicopters.

According to BC Wildfire the growth on this fire since yesterday is the result of fire suppression tactics.

“Additional growth is anticipated at suppression efforts continue,” a release stated.

The fire is highly visible, but no structures are considered threatened at this time.

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UPDATE: 4:43 p.m.

The Mount Conkle wildfire near Summerland is now holding steady at 80 hectares.

Noelle Kekula, with BC Wildfire Service, is heading up the incident command centre for the Okanagan wildfires.

Kekula says the Mount Conckle fire did see some growth during the day on Thursday, from 50 hectares to 80 hectares.

There is heavy equipment on scene building a guard around the fire. There are currently about 40 personnel on scene along with air support.

“There has been a request for more resources and we are currently priorities where these crews will go,” said Kekula.

Kekula explains BC Wildfire priority is first and foremost life and property.

“Where life and property is at risk then that is where we put our resources. We are not putting one fire over the other, but we have to triage and make a priority list.”

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Update: 11:54 a.m.

As a precaution, the Trans Canada Trail from Bathville Road in Summerland to Kettle Place in Faulder is closed effective immediately. The trail between Little Tunnel and Chute Lake is also closed until further notice.

10:30 a.m.

The Mount Conkle wildfire near Summerland is continuing to grow.

As of Thursday morning, the fire had reached an estimated size of 80 hectares, according to officials with the B.C. Wildfire Service.

This is not an interface fire and while it is highly visible, no structures are threatened at this time.

According to the B.C. Wildfire Service, the growth of the wildfire, from 50 hectares on July 18, was the result of fire suppression tactics. Additional growth is expected to continue.

There are 22 firefighters on site at the fire and they are being supported by heavy equipment. Air support will be provided if needed.

The fire began on Tuesday evening following a lightning strike.

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