Wildfire near Brenda Mine triggers evacuation alert

Update 10:45 am Thursday

The Brenda Creek Wildfire is now considered a ‘Wildfire of Note’ by the BC Wildfire Service.

As last reported, the blaze has increased to 400 hectares. An evacuation alert remains in place for 42 properties in the area.

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On Wednesday, the BC Wildfire Service responded to a new fire start just south of Highway 97C, the Okanagan Connector.

The blaze still listed as ‘New’ by the Service is estimated at 80 hectares. The approximate location is listed as Brenda Creek. The cause of the fire is unknown.

In response to the fire, the Okanagan-Similkameen Regional District has issued an evacuation ALERT for 42 properties.

“An Evacuation Alert has been issued to prepare you to evacuate your premises or property should an Evacuation Order be issued. Property owners will be given as much advance notice as possible prior to an Evacuation Order, however you may receive limited notice due to changing conditions,” reads the release. “BC Wildfire Service and the RDOS EOC are actively assessing the situation and should conditions deteriorate, Evacuation Orders may be issued for affected residents.”

The July Mountain wildfire to the South of Merritt has quickly grown to 185 hectares. The fire was first reported yesterday and is listed as ‘Out of Control’ this morning. The cause is not known.

There are currently 308 active wildfires burning in BC, 111 of which are within the Kamloops Fire Centre.

More to come