UPDATE AUG. 19, 12:15 p.m.
Vernon's too-close-for-comfort wildfire is now under control.
The blaze was sparked off Highway 97 Sunday afternoon and quickly spread drawing rapid response from neighbouring fire departments and the BC Wildfire Service.
An impressive display of air control wowed residents, who watched the action from the shores and water of Kalamalka Lake.
The Boltres Creek wildfire is now not expected to spread beyond the current perimeter.
"BC Wildfire Service support is no longer required, and Vernon Fire Rescue will be on site to monitor the scene," the City of Vernon said.
"Smoke may continue to be seen from within the perimeter, which is typically not a concern. However, if you see smoke rising from green, unburned fuel or from outside the fire perimeter, please report it immediately."
UPDATE AUG. 18, 9:30 a.m.:
Ground crews continue to make good progress on the wildfire burning off Highway 97, as of Monday morning.
Firefighters are mopping up and working along the north flank of the fire pushing towards to the northwest to tie into a retardant line.
"The fire is currently displaying Rank 1 fire behaviour, meaning a smouldering ground fire with no open flame," BC Wildfire Service reports.
There are currently 27 firefighting personnel responding alongside Vernon Fire Rescue.
Crews from BX and Vernon fire departments and BC Wildfire Service worked through the night on the Boltres Creek fire.
The fire remains within its perimeter with no new growth reported.
Smouldering and hot spots are being managed, and crews continue to monitor and action the fire as needed.
The City of Vernon thanks local residents, BC Wildfire Service, neighbouring fire departments, and the RCMP for their quick response and support.
"This fire quickly grew to 103 hectares within hours, and it was an impressive display of the coordinated response from many agencies involved," the city said.
Humans are the suspected cause of the blaze.
UPDATE 10:20 p.m.
Firefighters both on ground and in the air got a grip on the large blaze off Highway 97 within hours.
The wildfire south of Vernon grew quickly to 103 hectares within hours.
An impressive display of aircraft, including bucketing helicopters, large planes dropping retardant and six water-dumping float planes in formation, were fast to action the fire.
BC Wildfire Service currently has 39 firefighting personnel on scene alongside Vernon Fire Rescue.
Further updates are expected Monday morning.
UPDATE: 6:40 p.m.
The Boltres Creek Wildfire is stable and no longer showing growth, and those who have been tactically evacuated are able to return home.
The reception centre at Kal Tire Place is now closed, and Highway 97 has fully re-opened to traffic.
The Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) will deactivate and wind down its operations. Emergency responders and EOC staff remain ready to respond as needed.
Residents are reminded to continue to stay prepared for wildfire season.
"The City of Vernon thanks local residents, BC Wildfire Service, neighbouring fire departments, and the RCMP for their quick response and support," reads a city press release.
BC Wildfire aircraft will continue to use Kalamalka Lake as a water source. The city is asking the public to give these resources room to work. Anyone on the water should move quickly out of the way of aircraft to give them the space they need to move safely. Ground crews will remain on scene throughout the night.
The wildfire may be highly visible to drivers along Highway 97. For information on road conditions and closures, visit .
UPDATE: 6:22 p.m.
The size of the Boltres Creek wildfire south of Vernon has increased. The blaze is now 103 hectares, according to BC Wildfire Service.
Evacuation orders have been issued for about 20 properties on Commonage Road from Rose's Pond to the Allan Brookes Nature Centre.
The City of Vernon's Emergency Operation Centre has been activated, and evacuees can head to Kal Tire Place if they are unable to find other alternative accommodations.
The southbound right lane of Highway 97 has reopened at Kalamalka Lake View Drive, according to DriveBC.
The wildfire is believed to be human-caused.
UPDATE 4:50 p.m.
An evacuation order has been issued for about 20 properties near the Boltres Creek wildfire.
Properties on Commonage Road from Rose's Pond to the Allan Brookes Nature Centre have been ordered to evacuate.
Evacuees can head to Kal Tire Place for emergency supports, or find other temporary accommodations if they are able. Evacuees are advised to contact their insurance companies.
What you should do if you live in the area:
鈥� Locate all family members and designate a meeting area outside the evacuation area, should an Evacuation Order be called while separated.
鈥� Pack essential items such as government-issued ID, medications, eyeglasses, valuable papers (e.g. insurance, credit, and mortgage information), immediate care needs for dependents and, if time and space permits, keepsakes for quick departure.
鈥� Prepare to take pets with you and move livestock to a safe area (if possible).
鈥� Arrange transportation for all your household members. Fill the gas tanks of personal vehicles.
鈥� Arrange accommodation for all members of the residence, if possible.
鈥� Wait for an Evacuation Order to be issued before evacuating. Monitor Vernon.ca/news for information on evacuation orders and location of Reception Centres.
鈥� Self-registration for Emergency Support Services:
RCMP are assisting with evacuation, while BC Wildfire, Vernon Fire Rescue Services, Lake Country and 麻豆精选 Fire Departments are assisting with fire suppression.
UPDATE 4:25 p.m.
A wildfire near Vernon has been determined to be human caused.
The fire sparked around 1 p.m. today, Aug. 17 and is estimated to be 40 hectares in size.
BC Wildfire Service says it has 17 fire personnel actioning the blaze alongside air support.
The Boltres Creek fire is showing rank two and three behaviour, meaning a low to moderately vigorous surface fire.
UPDATE 3:20 p.m.
An emergency operation centre has been activated to support the Boltres Creek wildfire in Vernon.
The fire is being actioned by ground and air. People are asked to stay clear of the area to allow crews to operate safely.
UPDATE 2:55 p.m.
Highway 97 traffic is being heavily impacted south of Vernon as a wildfire continues to spread.
A reporter heading to the scene said flames are visible from the highway. The right southbound lane is closed along with Birnie and Vista roads.
UPDATE 2:40 p.m.
The West 麻豆精选, 麻豆精选 and Lake Country fire departments have been called to assist with a fast growing wildfire in Vernon.
The blaze has reached 40 hectares according to BC Wildfire Service.
The right lane heading south on Highway 97 is closed at Kalamalka Lake View Drive due to the fire. Drivers are asked to avoid stopping in the area.
ORIGINAL
A new wildfire has sparked along Highway 97 near Westridge Road in the south end of Vernon.
BC Wildfire Service estimates the blaze is 0.009 hectares in size.
Helicopters can be seen bucketing water onto the fire from Kal Lake.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
