Photo: contributed
UPDATE 2:11 p.m
There are approximately nine new fires that have been identified by BC Wildfire in the areas surrounding Seymour Arm, Anglemont, Scotch Creek, Hunter’s Range, Queest and Perry River.
All these fires are classified as small in size and most are in remote areas. No structures are threatened.
Both Scotch Creek and Anglemont Fire Departments in the Columbia Shuswap Regional District are assisting BC Wildfire with the fires.
Two fires are now considered small, but local firefighters will remain on the scene to ensure there are no outbreaks.
The Shuswap Emergency Program has not been activated to deal with any fire situations at this time.
If BC Wildfire determines there is a need, members of the Shuswap Emergency Program will be called.
For the most up-to-date information, go to the BC Wildfire Service Dashboard.
With the amount of lightning associated with this storm, more fires are possible.
The public is a crucial source of fire information and residents should call *5555 on a cell phone or 1-800-663-5555 if they see smoke or anything that concerns them.
Citizens are also reminded that many wildfires are caused by humans. With the high temperatures continuing, be sure to use extreme caution and take all precautions to prevent additional fires from starting.
UPDATE 11:52 a.m
Another fire has been reported on the Shuswap following last night’s lightning storm.
The BC Wildfire Service is reporting a spot fire in the Scotch Creek area of the Shuswap.
The fire is near Hillman Road and is 0.01 hectares in size.
The official cause of the fire has not yet been determined.
UPDATE: 10:11 a.m
Another spot fire has been reported in the North Okanagan.
The BC Wildfire Service dashboard shows a new fire east of Lumby near Bryers Road, south of Shuswap Falls.
As of 10 a.m. Friday, the fire was mapped at 0.01 hectares.
ORIGINAL: 9:38 am
The BC Wildfire Service reports three new fires in the North Okanagan-Shuswap.
A spot fire has been reported east of Armstrong in the Miriam Creek area.
As of Friday morning, the fire had an extent of 0.01 hectares.
There are also two new fires north of Salmon Arm.
A fire near Hudson Road in Anglemont was reported to have started overnight.
Another spot fire has been reported near Seymour Arm at the north end of Shuswap Lake, although the exact location has not been determined.
The Seymour Arm region was hit hard by bushfires last year, with the Lake Hunakwa fire growing to more than 3,300 hectares.
The cause of the new fires has not been determined, but overnight there were reports of lightning across the region.
The BCWS has reported 15 new fires in the province over the past two days.