By Doug Collins/Tom Mark- Beach FM Vernon

New fire growing in Pennask area

Aug 10, 2018 | 6:56 AM

KAMLOOPS — The Gottfriedsen Mountain fire about 24 kilometres west of West Kelowna and about 8 kilometres north of the Okanagan Connector was estimated at 400 hectares last night and was expected to grow due to strong winds.
 
Ground crews worked with air support and heavy equipment into the evening to try to contain it.

 An update is expected about 8 this morning.
 
Meanwhile, the Thompson Nicola Regional District issued an evacuation alert  for Electoral Area “M” (Beautiful Nicola Valley – North) due to the fire.
 
Due to the remoteness of the area, the alert is being issued using locations as reference points.
 
The Alert area incorporates all properties, camping areas, etc north of Highway 97C including the following lakes: 
• Pennask Lake • Mellin Lake • Barton Lake  • Eileen Lake.
 
You can see a map of the area on the regional district’s website at www.tnrd.ca