Westwood Rd Penticton

[JagXKR]

Aprx location, general not specific

https://goo.gl/maps/ai4tzMtRLQS2

https://www.castanet.net/edition/news-s ... htm#202281

Lots of smoke, high northerly winds.

[LTD]

that's not good really close to homes

[JagXKR]

that's not good really close to homes

Real close

[GordonH]

If there has been no lightning in the area, then another possible human caused fire.

[JagXKR]

If there has been no lightning in the area, then another possible human caused fire.

Now calling for possible evacuations!

[JagXKR]

Crews must be hitting hard and doing a good job as there is already much less smoke. Fingers crossed.

[JagXKR]

Helicopter now on scene and just dropped first bucket of water.

[GordonH]

Crews must be hitting hard and doing a good job as there is already much less smoke. Fingers crossed.

Knowing there is a number homes in the area, it could be house fire. Hit it hard before it spreads

[JagXKR]

This was the 3rd drop. Back and forth to OK lake and whoever the pilot is he is quick. Amazing to watch.
Looks like a Wildcat B212. They come down to Penticton airport to train in the spring. Good thing too.

[JagXKR]

2 1/2 minutes from drop to drop by this heli. Quick. Does not have the bucket but the load is carried in tanks on the B212 itself. They are a true Okanagan success story.

http://www.wildcathelicopters.com/equipment/

[canuck500]

It's actually a single tank with two drop doors, somewhat similar to what the air tankers use. FWIW Wildcat isn't the only company using tank equipped helicopters, Ascent Helicopters also have a tank equipped helicopter.

[JagXKR]

Little to no smoke. Helicopter departed the scene and disaster appears diverted.
With today's strong North winds people need to be extra careful. Somebody today was not.

[tsayta]

Castanet PLEASE stop with the annoying 'raw video' banner at the start of clips. It obscures the entire view for the most important beginning of every video!!!!

[maryjane48]

*removed*