Wildfire Threatens Skaha, Climbers Advised to Avoid Area (Updated)
The fire is growing quickly and residents are being evacuated
There’s a big wildfire near Penticton and over 300 homes have been advised to evacuate. Along with residents, climbers are being told to avoid climbing right now.
Medical doctor Alana Hawley posted on the Skaha Bluffs Collective Facebook group: “URGENT: if you are currently in the bluffs please evacuate immediately. There is a rapidly evolving wildfire above heritage hills and we are evacuating local residents now. Please alert anyone you know who is currently in the bluffs.”
If you know folks planning on a trip to Skaha this week, maybe give them the heads up that the area will likely be closed for some time.
Update Aug. 19: A local Skaha climber whose home was less than 300 metres from the fire reported that the crag known as Shangri La was likely hit by the blaze. The crag is home to Sonnie Trotter’s Family Man 5.14 trad.
Crews on the ground and in the air were fighting a pitched battle Wednesday morning as the Christie Mountain wildfire crept within metres of some of the 319 properties under evacuation south of Penticton. https://t.co/xiZH6CybPa
— The Daily Courier (@KelownaCourier) August 19, 2020
The #BCWildfire Service is responding to the Christie Mountain wildfire (K51287) located approximately 6 km N of Okanagan Falls on the east side of Skaha lake. It is estimated at ten hectares in size. BCWS personnel are on site and are being supported by air tankers (1/4). pic.twitter.com/ly2nwKc0ck
— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) August 19, 2020
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