Update (4:50 p.m.). . . A fire that started in southeast Kelowna, near Myra Canyon, is under control, according to media reports. A tanker from Penticton made several passes near the fire, dumping retardent.
by Dave Preston
The Kelowna Fire Department is on scene of a forest fire in the southeast area of the city.
The fire, which may have been started by lightning Monday afternoon, is in the area of McCulloch and Field Roads.
The Wildfire Protection Branch of the BC Forest Service is sending in a tanker from Penticton and an initial attack crew, according to Kevin Skrepnek, fire information officer.
“They’ve asked for some assistance,” said Skrepnek.
Limited information is available on the fire.
Skrepnek said officials are keeping a close eye on a series of thunderstorms moving through the Kamloops Fire Centre Monday afternoon.
“We’re expecting not a whole lot of rain and some pretty intense winds,” said Skrepnek. “It could be a problem.”
Meanwhile, air tankers and ground crews are working on a fire near Merritt that has grown to 35 hectares in sizes.
Skrepnek said that fire, near Matthew Creek and 40 kilometres south of Merritt, seems to have started by lightning. He added there are no homes or other values in the immediate area.
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