UPDATE 5 p.m. The BC Wildfire Service says the first fire that sparked Tuesday on Penticton’s West Bench is now “held.
” The fire is not expected to grow beyond the 2.18 hectares is currently is. About 12 residents were evacuated as a result of the fire, according to the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen.
The regional district and City of Penticton have activated an emergency support services reception centre at 199 Ellis Street in Penticton. UPDATE: 2:30 p.m.
BC Wildfire Service has added the West Bench grass fire to i ts wildfire map. BCWS personnel have arrived on scene. The fire is mapped at 0.
3 hectares at this time. UPDATE: 2:05 p.m.
Three structures are involved in the fire in West Bench Tuesday afternoon. Penticton Fire Chief Mike Larsson said one structure is a house that is "minorly" involved, and there are also two sheds. No formal evacuation orders have been issued but Larsson said they are monitoring the situation and will work with RCMP to formulate a plan for that if need be.
"But right now it looks like we're holding the fire where we need it to be," Larsson said on scene at the blaze. "The focus is hitting the hot spots where the flames first broke out." Helicopters arrived within minutes to action the fire from above, a luxury Larsson is grateful for.
"Just fantastic. Crews are doing a great thing, great efforts on everybody here right now," Larsson said. He added to the public: "It's a hot, dry summer, just be careful.
We don't know how this on.
