Officials issued an evacuation order Tuesday afternoon for people living near the Christie Mountain wildfire.
The wildfire grew to 2.5 kilometres in size, or 250 hectares, by 6 pm, according to the BC Wildfire Service. It’s burning on a hill just north of Okanagan Falls on the eastern side of Skaha Lake.
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The Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen told people living in Heritage Hills, south of Penticton, BC, they need to leave their homes immediately because of the dangerous fire.
— RDOS EOC (@EmergMgtRDOS) August 19, 2020
Firefighters and water tankers are on scene trying to control the wildfire and prevent it from spreading further.
“Reports have indicated the fire is an active surface fire with an organized flame front,” the BC Wildfire Service tweeted. “Please stay clear of this area in order to not interfere with ongoing air tanker operations.”
The #BCWildfire Service is responding to the Christie Mountain wildfire (K51287) located approximately 6 km N of Okanagan Falls on the east side of Skaha lake. It is estimated at ten hectares in size. BCWS personnel are on site and are being supported by air tankers (1/4). pic.twitter.com/ly2nwKc0ck
— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) August 19, 2020