The Keremeos fire is now 50% contained.

A helicopter was called in this morning to assist.

It is mapped at 16.5 hectares in size but there are no threats to homes and no evacuation orders in place.

The fire behaviour is significantly less than what was visible last evening.

A smouldering ground fire with some areas of open flame remains visible.

Original:

A ten hectare fire is burning on Upper Bench Road, north east of Keremeos.

The blaze began late last night and is being worked on by 22 firefighters backed by one bulldozer and a water truck.

Fire Information Officer Michaela Swan says there are a few homes nearby but they are not being threatened by the blaze.

Even with the cooler temperatures recently, the fire danger rating in the South Okanagan still remains high.

If you spot a fire contact the Wildfire Management Branch at *5555 on your cell or call toll-free 1-800-663-5555.

Anita Sthankiya -Penticton