UPDATE: Wildfire near Penticton not expected to grow

UPDATE Sept. 6

The Hedges Butte wildfire southwest of Penticton is now mapped at 166 hectares (down from the earlier 236) due to more accurate mapping of the perimeter.

The BC Wildfire Service says fire behaviour has the potential to increase with the warmer weather Monday on areas of active fire, however progress has been made on the containment of the fire and it is not expected to grow.

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UPDATE: New wildfire near Penticton remains at 236 hectares
Sep 5, 2021 | 10:00 AM

The fire is still estimated at 236 hectares and showing minimal activity.

UPDATE Sept. 4

The new wildfire 12 kilometres southwest of Penticton is now estimated at 236 hectares and classified as out of control.

The BC Wildfire Service has designated it a wildfire of note.

The Wildfire Service responded to the Hedges Butte wildfire on Friday afternoon with 30 ground personnel and assistance from six helicopters. Air tankers added retardant lines and skimmers  responded by dropping water from Skaha and Okanagan Lakes to cool the fire.

The extreme drought condition of the forest coupled with increased winds resulted in rapid growth of the fire through the day. Crews were on-site Friday night to monitor the fire.

Today crews are working upslope off of Green Mountain Road creating hand-guards for containment and planning for contingency guards is underway. Helicopters will be used to bucket the fire throughout the day, as required. Air Tankers and skimmers will continue to support the incident, if necessary.

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New wildfire in Okanagan
Sep 3, 2021 | 5:40 PM

The BC Wildfire Service is responding to a new wildfire burning between Penticton and Apex Mountain.

The Hedges Butte wildfire is 12 kilometres southwest of Penticton, and at last report was estimated to be 100 hectares in size and classified as out of control.

The Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen has issued evacuation alert for 47 properties on Green Mountain and Farley Lake Roads.