Update: New Fire At Monte Lake; Highway Closed

Update : 6:30 pm

The fire remains at 2 hectares.

34 firefighters are working at the site.

The point of origin and cause are under investigation.

Photo courtesy of Jamie Rye/Twitter

Update: 5:25 pm

The fire at the south end of Monte Lake is listed as 2 hectares in size.

“We currently have 26 firefighters on site working on containment as well as two helicopters who are bucketing water, and air tankers dropping retardation. We’re currently estimating it at two hectares in size,” says Rachael Witt from the Wildfire Service

Witt says there are no structures in immediate danger, and the fire is burning 6 km’s northwest of Westwold.

It’s estimated to be located about 8 km’s south of the Martin Mountain fire north of Monte Lake.

Crews are actioning a new fire in the Monte Lake area, west of Vernon.

“The BC Wildfire Service is responding to a new fire at the south end of Monte Lake. It is about 6 kilometres northwest of the community of Westwold. At this time we have one helicopter, air tankers and 6 firefighters assigned to the incident,” says Rachael Witt from the BC Wildfire Service.

Witt says they don’t have a size on the fire yet, or if any structures are in the immediate area.

This fire is at the south end of Monte Lake, while the previous fire, which is now 100 percent contained, is at the north end.

Due to the new fire, Highway 97 is closed again in both directions at Paxton Valley Road near Monte Lake.

Drive BC says motorists have to use Highways 97A and 97B as alternate route.