A wildfire has been found burning in the North Okanagan.
BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) reports the fire is burning in the Creighton Valley area, just outside of Lumby, B.C.
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BCWS
It covers about 3 hectares, equivalent to 320,000 square feet.
B.C. wildfire officials consider the fire to be burning uncontrollably and likely caused by humans.
The Lumby and District Fire Department, assisted by BCWS, is battling the fire believed to have originated from burning leftover fuel from logging activities, known as slash.
The fire department informed Global News that they are gaining control over the situation.
The Creighton Valley area is situated 17 km east of Lumby.
Lumby Mayor Kevin Acton expressed surprise upon hearing the news of the wildfire.
“It’s unusually early in the year for something like this. I don’t think I’ve ever seen it before, actually,” Acton said.
He mentioned that the community is worried, particularly considering this year’s snow and rainfall levels so far.
“It’s been a very different year for us. The snowpack is good in the higher elevations but down low – it’s been quite dry for this time of year and the snow elevation is high up in the hills,” Acton said.
According to the B.C. government, the snow basin in the area is around 80 per cent of normal.
Global News has contacted BC Wildfire Service for an interview and further details.
