Update: 7 p.m.
The evacuation order has been rescinded for people living on the east side of Round Lake Road. Both the east and west side of Round Lake Road are on evacuation alert due to the Horseshoe Lake wildfire in Spallumcheen.
The Township of Spallumcheen said the evacuation alert will remain in effect “through the night.”
The township has downgraded to a level one Emergency Operation Centre.
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Original:
Some Spallumcheen residents are being evacuated due to a wildfire in the North Okanagan.
The blaze burning in the Grandview Flats area in Spallumcheen was discovered shortly after 2 p.m. Friday, July 7.
A wildfire sparked in Spallumcheen Friday afternoon. Smoke and flames can be seen coming from a hillside near North Grandview Flats Road. Planes circling overhead. @VernonNews pic.twitter.com/L9Si5p9Mki
— Brendan Shykora (@brendanshykora) July 7, 2023
The Township of Spallumcheen has issued evaucation orders for those on the east side of Round Lake Road and some Grandview Flats Road residents.
The following addresses are asked to leave immediately, as of 3:15 p.m.:
• 1335, 1325, 1233, 1241, 1249, 1257, 1225, 1315, 1305, 1290, 1281, 1273 and 1265 Round Lake Road, as well as 4880, 4866, 4894, 4848 and 4950 Grandview Flats Road.
The west side of Round Lake Road is on evacuation alert:
• 1262, 1270, 1278, 1290, 1310, 1320, 1340, 1238, 1246 and 1258 Round Lake Road, as well as 9728, 9716, 9722 and 9710 Highway 97A and 4990 Grandview Flats Road.
The township’s Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) has been activated and upgraded to level two.
Three planes are attacking the Round Lake/Horshoe Lake fire, as well as ground crews.
Retardant is being dropped as smoke and flames can be seen and trees are candling. The fire is slowly making its way down the south side of the hill.
If you have been evacuated you can go to the ESS centre located at the Township Municipal Hall, 4144 Spallumcheen Way.
The township has closed the entrance to the trails on Mount Rose Swanson out of an abundance of caution. People are asked to avoid these back country areas. Ground and aerial crews are continuing to work against the fire aggressively.
The Township website has information about how you can prepare your farm or home for a wildfire under our Emergency Info page.
Communications will continue to be provided on the Township’s website at spallumcheentwp.bc.ca under News and Events.
The next communication will be provided at 5 p.m. or as new information becomes available.
The fire is an estimated 1.3 hectares and suspected to be caused by lightning.
Armstrong Spallumcheen Fire Department is on scene and has requested a bush truck from BX Swan Lake Fire Department and assistance from Vernon Fire Rescue Services.
READ MORE: North Okanagan wildfire near Sugar Lake grows
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