A helicopter covers the Blue Mountain fire Friday afternoon. UPDATE: 16:40 The Blue Mountain fire remains at 54 hectares. “We haven’t seen a lot of growth on it since this morning, so that’s good. It’s definitely been reduced fire activity that we’ve seen. It’s still classified as out of control,” said fire intelligence officer Shaelee Stearns. A total of 25 BCWS personnel are currently working on the fire along with heavy machinery to set up a guard around the fire. “Helicopters assist as needed throughout the day,” Stearns added. UPDATE: 9 a.m The new fire burning near Penticton on Sunday morning is already “contained” and is not expected to grow any further. Fire information officer Shaelee Stearns says four Wildfire Service BC firefighters assisted the Penticton Fire Department in fighting the blaze early Sunday morning. Stearns says the fire is believed to be human-caused. It grew to 0.3 hectares in size before crews realized it. Meanwhile, 25 firefighters are working on the Blue Mountain fire this morning. This fire is estimated at an area of 54 hectares. “We didn’t experience much growth on that fire last night and into the evening which is good,” Stearns said. “Crews are making good progress with the machine guard and handshake around the fire.” Helicopters will again be used on the Blue Mountain fire when needed. ORIGINAL: 8:35 AM A new wildfire is burning just outside of Penticton. According to the BC Wildfire Service map, the Skaha Creek fire was not discovered until Sunday morning. The fire, burning southwest of Penticton, is estimated at 0.35 hectares and the cause is listed as unknown. A fire official did not have information on the fire early Sunday morning, and Castanet is waiting to hear more details about the fire. The Blue Mountain fire, burning west of Penticton, remains out of control Sunday morning. It is still estimated at about 54 hectares in size. On Saturday, 27 firefighters worked on the blaze, supported by three helicopters. Photo: BCWS Two fires are burning near Penticton on Sunday morning.
