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UPDATE: Fire burning above K-Mountain

UPDATE: 8:30 a.m. Fri., Sept. 8
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UPDATE: 8:30 a.m. Fri., Sept. 8

BC Wildfire Service is estimating the fire burning above K-Mountain is about two hectares in size.

The fire is not related to the Diamond Creek wildfire burning at least 30 kilometres away in the back country just over the U.S. Canadian border.

“It’s nowhere near there,” a BC Wildfire Spokesperson said.

Assessments are underway, and BC Wildfire Service resources will be deployed to fight the fire.

The fire is burning near the summit of K-Mountain about six kilometres south of Keremeos.

The cause of the fire is unknown.

There are no roads up to the summit but there is a hiking trail.

There are currently no structures threatened.

Because of the smokey skies many BC Wildfire air crews were grounded yesterday.

It’s unclear if helicopters and other air support will be able to fly today.

The Canadian portion of the Diamond Creek fire burning near Cathedral Provincial Park is is currently about 5,500 hectares in size.

Heavy smoke yesterday grounded the helicopter providing air support.

There is currently two fire fighters and seven pieces of heavy equipment working the fire.

Updates on both fires are expected later in the day.

Check back at www.keremeosreview.com or check our Facebook page.

UPDATE: 9:50 p.m.

Keremeos fire chief Jordy Bosscha says the orange glow from the fire is no longer visible.

Bosscha says there’s no wind at this time in Keremeos and he didn’t notice any lightening prior to the fire.

Terrain on K-Mountain is rocky and it’s possible the fire has burned itself out.

“Don’t panic, but be prepared. This particular fire most likely won’t cause any issue but maybe another one will. Always best to be prepared.”

UPDATE: 9:30 p.m.

There is at least one representative from BC Wildfire Service in Keremeos.

A plan is currently being worked on to possibly fly over the fire in the morning, if the smoke lifts.

There appears at this time to be no imminent danger of the fire coming down the mountain into Keremeos.

“It’s died down considerably,” Keremeos fire chief Jordy Bosscha said.

ORIGINAL:

Reports are coming in from residents in Keremeos that a fire is burning above K-Mountain.

The mountain hovers above the small village to the south just across the Similkameen River.

Jordy Bosscha, the fire chief of the Keremeos Volunteer Fire Department said he started receiving calls about the fire just after 8 p.m.

“We’re getting lots of calls here at the hall. People are panicking,” he told the Review.

At this point it’s unclear how large the fire is or if it’s related to the Diamond Creek Fire, which is burning just north of the Canada U.S. border in the back country near Cathedral Provincial Park.

An orange glow can been seen from the village. It’s possible two fires are burning on the mountain. Bosscha said the terrain on K-Mountain is very rocky and it’s possible the fire might burn itself out.

“Don’t panic,” he said.

The Review has calls out to BC Wildfire Service.

Watch for updates at www.keremeosreview.com and our Facebook page.