Fire above Naramata an illegal open burn: BC Wildfire Service

UPDATE 10:20 p.m.

The B.C. Wildfire Service says a fire that put up a plume of smoke over Naramata Thursday evening was an illegal open burn.

Fire crews responded to the fire off Arawana Forest Service Road after receiving several reports of a forest fire in the area shortly before 5 p.m. Local social media groups lit up with photos from concerned residents.

“After arriving on site, BCWS personnel confirmed that this was an open fire burning violation that was contained to its perimeters,” BCWS said on Facebook.

“A reminder to the public that Category 2 and Category 3 open fires as well as other equipment and activities are prohibited throughout the Kamloops Fire Centre region.”

No word yet on if there was a ticket issued for the fire.

Photo: Tanner

UPDATE: 9:50 p.m.

Video footage shows a closer look at the fire that is burning above Naramata.

The footage shows multiple flames burning along the grassy area.

According to the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen, BC Wildfire Service crew are at the site of the "small fire" off Arawana Forest Service Road in Electoral Area E.

"No risk to structures or property. Fire currently not spreading," said the RDOS.

ORIGINAL 8:45 p.m.

There are multiple reports of a wildfire spreading above Naramata.

Thick black smoke has been spotted filling the air from the mountain.

The fire appears to have started sometime around 5 p.m. Thursday.

One witness said they spotted the fire at the north end of the Naramata bench

More information will be provided as soon as it becomes available.

Photo: BCWS