The Sitkum Creek wildfire located near Sugar Lake is still estimated at 1,500 hectares (image courtesy of the B.C. Wildfire Service)

By Liam Verster

Wildfire Response

Resources now assigned to wildfire northeast of Lumby

Jul 25, 2024 | 9:38 AM

The B.C. Wildfire Service began its response to the Sitkum Creek wildfire Wednesday.

The fire sparked July 18 and grew significantly over the weekend, reaching 1,501 hectares as of noon Tuesday, July 23.

The B.C. Wildfire Service had initially not dedicated any resources to the fire as it was in an inaccessible area that would have posed safety concerns to the wildland firefighters on the ground, but there was some movement on the fire’s western flank which opened an opportunity for crews Wednesday.

The BCWS confirmed with Vernon Matters that a team of 10 BCWS firefighters were on the ground actioning the blaze, and were being supported by two danger tree fallers clearing debris from the area. A heavy bucketing helicopter was also assigned to the fire Wednesday.

There was also three structure protection unit members working to prevent fire damage to structures in Sugar Lake recreation area.

Silver Star Road Pathway

Multi-use path in the BX area officially complete

Sep 05, 2024

Work to Resume Sept. 10

Archeological permit issued for work on Husband Road

Sep 05, 2024

Drought Level 2

Okanagan drought conditions have improved on a weekly basis

Sep 05, 2024

An Evacuation Order issued for the east side of Sugar Lake by the Regional District of Okanagan Tuesday evening remained in place, as did an Evacuation Alert for the west side of the lake.

The wildfire was still classified as Out of Control and estimated at 1,501 hectares Wednesday.