The newly sparked wildfire at Newsome Creek near Sorrento, discovered Tuesday, July 23, is now an estimated 0.6 hectares according to the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS).

In a media release issued at 11 a.m., the Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) announced that the Shuswap Fire Department is now on standby with the BCWS having taken command of the situation with an Initial Attack crew and response officer. 

The fire, located 13 kilometres northeast of Chase, is listed as out of control with the cause under investigation on the BCWS website, which states those can "often take time and can be very complex."

In an earlier media release from the CSRD, 14 properties on Elson Road and South Shore Place near Sorrento have been under evacuation alert since 6:30 a.m. Tuesday morning.

Information on the Newsome Creek fire and others can be found on the .