Air tanker drops retardant on fire in Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park above Jade Bay (Liam Verster / Vernon Matters photo)

By Pete McIntyre & Liam Verster

Rattlesnake Hill Fire

UPDATE: Fire in Kal Lake Provincial Park

May 12, 2023 | 3:18 PM

UPDATE: 5:05 p.m.

The B.C. Wildfire Service confirm the fire in Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park is “being held” and further spread was not expected

The Wildfire Service also stated the fire was suspected of being human-caused, though did not disclose if it was sparked accidentally or intentionally.

The fire was still estimated to be 0.4 hectares in size.

Firefighters from Coldstream are assisting nine Wildfire Service personnel, an increase from the five provincial firefighters who were out there earlier in the day.

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UPDATE: 4:10 p.m.

The BC Wildfire Service said the wildfire in Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park south of Vernon is estimated at 0.4 hectares in size.

There are at least five BCWS personnel on the scene along with the Coldstream Fire Department.

The site is above the Jade Bay swimming area and not threatening any homes at this point.

An air tanker dropped retardant on the fire earlier, and has now left the area.

“It is still classified as out of control,” said Aydan Coray from the Wildfire Service, although eyewitness reports say the blaze does not appear to be spreading.

Coray told Vernon Matters more BCWS personnel have been requested to the fire which is called the Rattlesnake Hill fire.

She said the cause is under investigation.

There is unofficial word is started near a trail in the popular park.

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Original story

Crews are actioning a wildfire that is located in Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park, south of Vernon.

The BC Wildfire Service confirms there is a fire, but could not give the exact location at this point, saying five of their personnel were en route to the fire scene.

Fire in Kal Lake Park (submitted photo/Gary Batula)

The Coldstream Fire Department is also responding.

Vernon Matters reporter Liam Verster is on the west side of the Kalamalka Lake.

He said the fire is located above the Jade Bay swimming area and a fair distance from houses.

He says an air tanker is dropping retardant on the area.

Verster added there are no flames visible and just small flare ups of smoke and very little wind.

Vernon Matters will provide updates when they are made available.

Fire in Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park (Liam Verster / Vernon Matters photo)

Liam Verster / Vernon Matters photo