New evacuation order for North Okanagan residents due to Sitkum Creek wildfire

An evacuation alert has been upgraded to an evacuation order in the North Okanagan due to wildfire activity.

The Regional District of North Okanagan says the order is for the east side of Sugar Lake due to the Sitkum Creek Wildfire, based on recommendations from the BC Wildfire Service.

“Members of the RCMP will be expediting the Evacuation Order,” it said. “Evacuees will not have access to their properties while the Order is in place; therefore, bring your pets and important items with you.”

The city says the change is because of “immediate danger to life safety.”

“All lands east of Sugar Lake, from the southern end to the northern tip, and from the east shore to a line north south-through Initiative Peak. This region includes all sites within Sugar Lake Resort at 1630 Sugar Lake Road,” it said.

“If you are in this area, you must leave the area immediately.”

According to BC Wildfire Services, the Sitkum Creek Wildfire, 63 kilometres northeast of Vernon is “out-of-control” at the size of 1,501 hectares, as of Tuesday afternoon.

BCWS says it was first discovered on Thurs. July 18, just before 1:30 p.m. and the suspected cause was lightning.