Hot and dry summer-like weather conditions in the B.C. Interior over the past week have contributed to increased activity on the Spatsum Creek wildfire, say officials struggling to battle the growing blaze.
The 240-hectare fire created hazy conditions in Kamloops Tuesday, with smoke visible throughout the region.
The season’s first wildfire started Apr. 27, 10 kilometres south of Ashcroft, and is burning in steep and rocky terrain.
The fire spread two kilometers in the heat and low relative humidity on Sunday, and additional personnel including sustained-action crews, helicopters and airtankers worked hard into the evening.
Approximately 60 fire fighters worked to combat the fire Tuesday, aided by three helicopters and two air tankers.
Kayla Pepper, a Kamloops fire information officer, said while the fire has not grown in size for two days, the conditions continued to pose a challenge for crews.
“As we expected, winds did pick up and around 1 p.m. and there was an increase in fire behaviour,” she said.
Pepper said air tankers will work to keep the fire cool enough for ground crews to build control lines around the perimeter.
Fortunately, the fire is over four kilometers away from any structures in the area.
It’s believed the fire was caused by human activity and Wildfire Management reminds people to be cautious as the fire danger rating climbs from moderate to high in the region.
There have been 40 wildfire starts this year in the Southern Interior alone.
Report all wildfires at *5555 on your cell phone or toll-free at 1-800-663-5555.
