Skip to content

Out of control grass fire spreads at Twin Lakes, outside of Penticton

Bombers and helicopters attacked the 40 ha fire, while a new wildfire started in Keremeos
25623635_web1_210624-PWN-Twinlakefire_1
A bomber throws fire retardant on an out of control grass fire in Twin Lakes Thursday night. The fire started around 4 p.m. June 24, 2021 and quickly spread. (Sandi Nolan Western News)

Water helicopters and bombers were attacking an out of control grass fire in the Twin Lakes area Thursday afternoon.

The fire started around 4 p.m. around White Lake and Twin Lake Road, quickly spreading.

At one point, residents in the area took to Facebook to say they were worried the large grass fire could threaten a nearby ranch and the observatory.

The helicopter was going back and forth loading up water from the lake and water bombers threw fire retardant on it as well.

White Lake Road was closed as they brought in water trucks and equipment.

BC Wildfire posted that the fire was at 40 hectares. The Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen emergency operations did post that they are monitoring the fire.

As of 8 p.m., it’s not known how the fire is going or how many firefighters are on scene.

BC Wildfire also reported a new wildfire near Keremeos Thursday night.

The wildfire is 15 kilometres northeast of Keremeos. There are 26 personnel supported by one helicopter and airtankers. Smoke will be visible to travellers along Highway 3A. The fire is estimated to be eight hectares and is classified as “out of control.”

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

To report a typo, email: editor@pentictonwesternnews.com.

<>
 

@PentictonNews
newstips@pentictonwesternnews.com

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.



Monique Tamminga

About the Author: Monique Tamminga

Monique brings 20 years of award-winning journalism experience to the role of editor at the Penticton Western News. Of those years, 17 were spent working as a senior reporter and acting editor with the Langley Advance Times.
Read more