UPDATE July 25, 11 a.m.

Two helicopters joined ground crews last night in bucketing operations for the the Sitkum Creek wildfire - currently affecting areas surrounding Sugar Lake. 

"Much progress was made, and with the cooler temperatures little growth was seen in the fire overnight," the Regional District of North Okanagan reports. "At this time, threats have decreased significantly."

A structure protection team has ensured the wood bridge remains protected by setting sprinklers up around it.

All evacuation orders and alerts for the area remain in place.

"We ask you to stay vigilant as we monitor what the coming days will bring."

UPDATE July 24 3 p.m.

The  has deployed fire suppression personnel to the Sitkum Creek wildfire near Sugar Lake this afternoon.

"We can confirm that there are 13 personnel, including structure-protection crews on site working on the western flank of the fire (closest to Sugar Lake)," the agency reported Wednesday afternoon.

One helicopter is supporting ground crews with water delivery, using Sugar Lakr for bucketing.

Structure protection is also conducting assessments in the evacuation alert area.

UPDATE: July 23 5 p.m.

The evacuation order for Sugar Lake has been expanded, as the 1,500 hectare Sitkum Creek blaze continues to grow.

Based upon recommendation from BCWS, the evacuation order has been set for the east side of Sugar Lake, especially for the seasonal recreation properties within Sugar Lake Resort located at 1630 Sugar Lake Road.

RCMP will be expediting the evacuation order, and evacuees will not have access to the properties while the order is in place. 

The evacuation order is now: 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.

UPDATE 11:50 a.m. July 23:

The Sitkum Creek wildfire is now an estimated 1,500 hectares in size. 

The blaze to the south of Cherryville grew substantially overnight from 350 hectares July 22. It is believed to be lightning-caused. 

Fire information officer Cali Nessman said BC Wildfire Service is monitoring the blaze, but is not currently engaging in fire suppressing activities. 

She said the fire is growing along a western slope and is still in high elevation, "and right now the terrain and the fire behaviour remains unsafe for us to have crews and resources on the ground."

Nessman said BC Wildfire is monitoring the fire from the air. Asked if BC Wildfire is doing any aerial firefighting, she said "at the moment, we are not."

"If there is an opportunity to, we would send resources, but for right now we are not doing any (water) bucketing," she said.

Nessman said the fire is displaying rank three with pockets of rank four activity, meaning there is an organized surface flame front with a moderate to fast rate of spreading, and candling in the trees.

An evacuation alert is in effect for the east side of Sugar Lake, from the southern end to the northern tip, and from the east shore to a line north south through Initiative Park.

UPDATE: 9:20 p.m.

The Sitkum Creek wildfire is now an estimated 350 hectares in size and is spreading. 

The blaze is believed to be lightning-caused. 

UPDATE 4:45 p.m: An evacuation alert has been issued for the east side of Sugar Lake, as a wildfire continues to grow.

Based upon recommendation from BC Wildfire Services, an evacuation alert has been issued by the RDNO for the fire located at Sitkum Creek, 28 km north of Cherryville on the east side of Sugar Lake. The fire is 58 hectares in size.

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 Park are in the evacuation alert area. This region includes all sites within Sugar Lake Resort at 1630 Sugar Lake Rd. 

Additionally, a road closure has been set up at the 2.5km mark on Kate Creek Fire Service Road. This has been implemented to limit access to the area under the evacuation alert. 

Any property in close proximity to the area should be prepared, and ready to evacuate during threatened times.

For more information on what to do when evacuating, visit the  

ORIGINAL: Two spot wildfires near Sugar Lake have continued to grow out of control. 

One, located at Sitkum Creek (28 km north of Cherryville) is now 58 hectares in size. The blaze was caused by lightning strikes on Thursday, July 18. 

The second, located closewr to Outlet Creek (15 km northeast of Cherryville) is now 24 hectares in size. It too was caused by lightning strikes on July 18.

No evacuation orders are in place, as B.C. Wildfire Services continue to monitor size.

A third fire, located near Vidler Peak, has been classified as being held. It is now just 0.009 hectares in size.