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(UPDATE: June 5 @ 1:35 pm) - The BC Wildfire Service is reporting more growth on the Pigeon Creek wildfire.
The wildfire that started around 6.5 kilometres west of Peachland on Sunday night, just south of the Connector (Hwy 97C), is now estimated at five hectares in size.
A KelownaNow reporter at the scene saw a ground crew of between 12-15 firefighters joining the front lines early this afternoon.
Multiple helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft are actioning the blaze from above using both retardant and water.
The wildfire continues to burn in steep terrain and is being fueled by gusting winds that are expected to increase as the afternoon goes on.
While the fire and activity are highly visible from Hwy 97C, travel through the area is not currently impacted.
(UPDATE: June 5 @ 10:40 am) - The Pigeon Creek is now estimated at a single hectare in size.
Eight firefighters are working on suppressing the out-of-control blaze and a helicopter is providing aerial support from above.
BC Wildfire Service fire information officer Aydan Coray tells NowMedia that further aerial support may be necessary as the day goes on.
The wildfire sparked Sunday night around 6.5 kilometres west of Peachland, just south of the Connector (Hwy 97C).
The BCWS says it is burning in "steep terrain" and is "highly visible" from Hwy 97C. It's also being "influenced by gusting winds" this morning.
(Original story: June 5 @ 6:25 am) - The BC Wildfire Service is responding to a new fire near Peachland.
The Pigeon Creek wildfire was discovered Sunday evening around 6.5 kilometres west of the small community.
It was considered 0.2 hectares in size in the most-recent update from the BCWS on Sunday night and the service’s website still lists it as out of control this morning.
“The wildfire is highly visible from the Connector (Hwy 97C) and no values are currently threatened,” the BCWS said, noting that it is burning in “steep terrain.”
The BCWS responded with a four-person initial ground attack crew on Sunday night, along with a resource officer.
NowMedia will update this story as more information becomes available.
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