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Fire above Peachland now under control

BC Wildfire has been called in to assist local fire crews with blaze

UPDATE: 9:00 p.m.

BC Wildfire is confirming the Log Chute blaze above Peachland, off Highway 97, is under control.

Crews are expected to work into the evening to ensure there are no flare-ups on the fire.

Aircrews are no longer on site.

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UPDATE: 3:09 p.m.

The fire burning south of Peachland, above Highway 97, is still considered out-of-control.

Ten BC Wildfire personnel remain on scene along with Peachland and West Kelowna fire departments.

Earlier in the day, air tankers dropped retardant on the fire but have since left. Three helicopters also assisted with the fire bucketing water.

The blaze is an estimated 1.8 hectares in size.

The cause is not yet known.

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UPDATE: 12:22 p.m.

Highway 97 near the intersection of Brent Road in Peachland is now open to alternating traffic. However, fire crews and equipment continue to work in the area.

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UPDATE: 12:15 a.m.

Witnesses near the fire blazing above Peachland say the smoke has died down and helicopters have left the area.

Fire crews remain on scene.

Update on the reopening of the highway is to come at 1 p.m.

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UPDATE: 11:30 a.m.

BC Wildfire currently has 10 personnel on-site to assist the Peachland and West Kelowna fire departments.

Air tankers and three helicopters are supporting fire crews. The blaze is an estimated 0.3 hectares in size and is classified as out-of-control.

Smoke will likely be visible in the area.

Fire crews will be setting up a command centre at Antlers Beach.

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UPDATE: 10:15 a.m.

BC Wildfire is on scene with helicopters responding to the blaze above Highway 97 at Brent Road.

There are also reports a man has crashed his vehicle into the ditch south of Brent Road after suffering a medical issue.

BC Ambulance is responding to the scene.

Traffic backed up headed north on Highway 97.(John Arendt/ Summerland Review)
Traffic backed up headed north on Highway 97.(John Arendt/ Summerland Review)

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Highway 97, near Peachland, is closed in both directions after a grass fire broke out just after 9 a.m. Monday.

The fire quickly spread up the hillside and flames are candling in nearby trees.

The blaze is located near Brent Road, close to Antlers Beach. There are no structures nearby and there is a fire break at the top of the hill from a former blaze that the flames are currently moving toward.

BC Wildfire has been called in to assist and might use Highway 97 as a landing area.

This is the second blaze BC Wildfire has responded to in the last two days after a house fire spread to grass on June 26. That blaze grew to .5 hectares inside and 20 residences were placed on an evacuation alert. The fire was brought under control by that evening.

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jen.zielinski@bpdigital.ca

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Jen Zielinski

About the Author: Jen Zielinski

Graduated from the broadcast journalism program at BCIT. Also holds a bachelor of arts degree in political science and sociology from Thompson Rivers University.
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