UPDATE: 1:30 p.m.
The wildfire along Highway 97 near Salmon River Road is now being classified as under control, according to the BC Wildfire Service. That means it will not spread further due to suppression efforts.
The power outage affecting the area now only impacts less than five customers, according to BC Hydro.
All roads remain open in the area.
UPDATE: 9:30 a.m.
A wildfire burning near the junction of Salmon River Road and Highway 97 is being held at approximately four hectares in size.
Though the fire ignited outside the Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD), Silver Creek firefighters were called to fight the blaze until the BC Wildfire Service could get personnel on scene.
“Crews arrived at approximately 1:15 a.m.,” said the CSRD in a media release. “It is believed the fire was human-caused, in this case, likely being started by a downed hydro line which ignited a barn.”
Silver Creek firefighters worked closely with local residents to fight the fire, said the CSRD, noting some residents had access to heavy equipment that was used to build fire guards to keep the blaze from spreading.
A few residents in the area were tactically evacuated by the RCMP, but are now allowed to return to their homes.
“Working together, our firefighters and these local residents did an excellent job of containment,” said CSRD protective services team leader Derek Sutherland. “We extend our appreciation to them for their help.”
BC Wildfire Service personnel remain on scene, while Silver Creek Fire Department firefighters were given the OK to go.
The CSRD said power is reported to be out in a localized area and BC Hydro is also on site. Power is expected to be restored by 1 p.m.
All roads in the area remain open.
UPDATE 8:10 a.m.
The wildfire is now ‘being held’, according to BC Wildfire Service, which means it’s not likely to spread anymore.
It is believed the blaze was human-caused and it reached four hectares in size.
Power is still out to the 31 customers affected.
Video from Christine Savage on Facebook details the wildfire that spread four hectares beside Highway 97 between #Vernon and #Falkland on Wednesday morning. The blaze is being held and human-caused @BlackPressMedia pic.twitter.com/C0VWdDpJBb
— Jordy Cunningham (@CunninghamJordy) May 31, 2023
Original
A wildfire has been spotted between Vernon and Falkland.
The blaze is believed to have started around 1:15 a.m. Wednesday morning close to the intersection of Highway 97 and Salmon River Road.
At this stage, the fire is deemed as out of control and it is currently smaller than 0.1 hectares.
Power is out to 31 BCHydro customers in the area due to a tree falling on powerlines. It’s unknown if this was the cause of the fire. The power has been off since 12:17 a.m. and crews have been assigned.
The highway remains open.
Black Press Media will stay up to date as more information becomes available.
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@cunninghamjordy
jordy.cunningham@kelownacapnews.com
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