Wildfire posted Jul 28, 2024 @ 08:15am by Cheyanna Lorraine

Sitkum Creek fire in the North Okanagan shows minimal growth

The BC Wildfire Service says a wildfire burning in the North Okanagan showed no growth overnight.

The Sitkum Creek fire, which is burning 63 kilometres northeast of Vernon on the shores of Sugar Lake, is still estimated at 1,993 hectares.

There are about 21 personnel working on the fire this weekend.

<who> Photo Credit courtesy of the Sugar Lake Cherryville Bistro & Lodge

With the help of heavy equipment, crews are busy building a machine guard along the western flank of the fire, which is closest to the lake and recreational areas.

“This morning fire behaviour was relatively low with Rank 1-2 meaning smouldering ground fire, some pockets of visible flame, but overall a slow rate of spread,” the BCWS said in an update Saturday afternoon.

One helicopter has been working in the area and bucketing when needed.

Although the fire has shown minimal growth, the Regional District of North Okanagan is maintaining an evacuation order for the east shores of Sugar Lake.

An evacuation alert is still in place for the west side of the lake.

The BC Wildfire Service is burning in the area of access to Monashee Provincial Park, however, BC Parks has not issued any advisories for the park.

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