UPDATE: 1:03 p.m.
The wildfire’s status has now been changed to “under control” and the evacuation notice has been lifted in the Sage Mesa area north west of Penticton.
There are two BC Wildfire crews and one response officer for a total of seven personnel onsite assisting the Penticton Fire Department.
Road restrictions are still in effect.
Residents in areas of properties affected by road restrictions on Sage Mesa Drive can return to their homes but must walk in at this time. Vehicles will temporarily not be allowed to access these properties.
Full details on the restrictions can be found here.
UPDATE: 12:01 p.m.
The majority of residents evacuated are now being allowed back into their homes except for those who live on Ladera Place and Sage Mesa Drive north of Ladera
An emergency center has been set up at the RDOS building for those who have been forced to evacuate their homes.
UPDATE: 11:11 a.m.
Police are now conducting traffic control and have secured the area to allow fire crews with both the Penticton Fire Department and the BC Wildfire Service to battle the blaze.
RCMP is also warning boaters on Okanagan Lake to stay clear of BC Wildfire Services air craft as they require access to the lake to carry out fire suppression efforts. Penticton RCMP is deploying a police vessel onto the lake to assist.
UPDATE: 10:22 a.m.
A tactical evacuation has been issued by the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen due to immediate danger to life safety.
The evacuation is in effect for homes on Ladera Place, Pine Hills Drive, Sage Mesa Drive, Solana Crescent and Verano Place.
All evacuees are asked to register at the Emergency Support Services reception centre, 199 Ellis St., Penticton.
Residents can also access Emergency Support Services resources online at https://ess.gov.bc.ca/.
Those with pets or livestock that need to be cared for and billeted are asked to contact Animal Lifeline Emergency Response Team at 250-809-7152.
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UPDATE: 10:15 a.m.
Highway 97 is open to single alternating lanes. Drivers are cautioned to expect delays.
Tactical evacuation of homes in the Sage Mesa area north of Penticton. Reception Centre set up at 199 Ellis St (across from Cannery Brewing) in Penticton. https://t.co/kFDZzHPoea pic.twitter.com/ikYbfGrbdk
— RDOS EOC (@EmergMgtRDOS) August 6, 2020
Homes were evacuated about 8:30 a.m. Thursday morning. According to Penticton Western News editor Phil McLachlan the blaze came close to some homes, but fire crews appear to have a handle on the situation.
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UPDATE: 10:00 a.m.
A tactical evacuation is underway in Penticton for more than 100 homes. A reception centre is located at 199 Ellis Street in Penticton.
First responders are currently working to evacuating homes in the following area:
Tactical evacuation of homes in the Sage Mesa area north of Penticton. Reception Centre set up at 199 Ellis St (across from Cannery Brewing) in Penticton. https://t.co/kFDZzHPoea pic.twitter.com/ikYbfGrbdk
— RDOS EOC (@EmergMgtRDOS) August 6, 2020
On our way to cover the brushfire near #Summerland – will give out updates as we go – traffic is closed in both directions on #BCHwy97
— Cassidy Dankochik (@GimliJetsMan) August 6, 2020
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ORIGINAL:
A portion of Highway 97 is closed between Summerland and Penticton because of a wildfire.
According to DriveBC, the southbound lanes of the highway are closed between Wharf Street in Summerland and Burnaby Ave. W. in Penticton.
Emergency vehicles are on the scene and an assessment is in progress.
A detour is not available.
#BCHwy97 north of Sage Mesa Dr in #Penticton – Grass fire has southbound lanes closed. Traffic is getting through in both directions in the northbound lanes. Crews on scene. Expect delays. #SummerlandBC #PeachlandBC
— DriveBC (@DriveBC) August 6, 2020
A tactical evacuation is underway and around 40 homes within the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen could be affected.
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