UPDATE: 5 p.m.
More than 20 properties in the Sumac Road area along Highway 3 are no longer on evacuation alert because of the Richter Mountain wildfire, as of Friday night (Aug. 12).
The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen issued the alert on Friday morning after a vehicle fire on Highway 3 between Keremeos and Osoyoos appeared to have sparked the blaze. The BC Wildfire Service has yet to officially confirm the connection between the vehicle and the wildfire.
As of Saturday morning, the blaze is 26 hectares.
Drivers along Highway 3 are asked to take extra care due to smoke and crews in the area.
A total of 34 firefighters are currently assigned to work the blaze.
Apex Mountain Resort and parts of Green Mountain Road remain on evacuation order amid the Keremeos Creek wildfire.
The fire is estimated to be 6,712 hectares in size.
ORIGINAL
An evacuation alert has been issued for properties in the Sumac Road area along Highway 3 due to the threat of a new wildfire between Keremeos and Osoyoos.
The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen issued the alert on Friday morning for more than 20 properties after a car accident on Highway 3 sparked the Richter Mountain wildfire.
The blaze is listed at 30 hectares.
Traffic along Highway 3 south of Cawston remains open but is limited to a single lane, as a result of the fire.
BC Wildfire Service says the blaze is located about 17 kilometres west of Osoyoos and is classified as “out of control.”
There are currently 33 crew members on scene responding to the fire.
Those on alert should be prepared to evacuate their property on short notice, if necessary.
READ MORE: Highway 3A from Keremeos to Penticton reopens
