SOUTHERNFIRES
Following is information about wildfires of note burning Thursday in the South Okanagan: Mount Eneas A total of 121 properties, plus 168 campsites, were ordered evacuated overnight Wednesday due to the Mount Eneas wildfire burning between Peachland and Summerland. The fire, which was sparked by lightning Tuesday night, was listed at 500 hectares as of Thursday morning. “Fire behaviour increased (Wednesday) and structures are considered threatened. Structural protection units have been deployed to the area,” the BC Wildfire Service wrote in a bulletin posted on its website. The service has 22 personnel and air tankers working the fire, with more resources expected later Thursday, as efforts will focus on the southern flank of the fire near Garnet Valley, where an evacuation alert was issued by the District of Summerland. The properties under evacuation order due to the fire are on Brent, North Beach and Callan roads, and Highway 97, along with Okanagan Lake Provincial Park. Mount Conkle Sparked by lightning Tuesday night about eight kilometres southwest of Summerland, the Mount Conkle fire was pegged at 80 hectares as of Thursday morning. “The growth on this fire since (Wednesday) is mainly the result of fire suppression tactics. Additional growth is anticipated as suppression efforts continue,” the BC Wildfire Service wrote in a bulletin. The service has 22 personnel and heavy equipment working the fire, which prompted the District of Summerland to order the evacuation of 40 properties on Garnet Valley Road and two properties on Callan Road, and the Penticton Indian Band to issue an evacuation alert for 13 properties on Big Valley and Shingle Creek roads. Glenfir Road The only other fire of note currently in the South Okanagan is the Glenfir Road blaze about 10 kilometres northwest of Naramata. It, too, lit up during Tuesday’s lightning storm. The fire was estimated at 1.5 hectares in size as of Wednesday night, and no structures were threatened.