UPDATE: Winds expected to increase wildfire activity near Highway 3
The B.C. Wildfire Service is expecting fire activity will increase this afternoon on a wildfire burning along Highway 3.
The wildfire quickly grew, Oct. 9, to 151 ha after it was discovered 10 km east of Grand Forks and seven km west of Christina Lake, along Highway 3, according to the B.C. Wildfire Service's latest update.
There has been no significant growth on the fire overnight, said B.C. Wildfire information officer Kim Wright. It is burning adjacent to Highway 3 and is highly visible to surrounding communities and travellers, according to the service.
There are 27 local fire department personnel and 28 wildfire crews on site today, with two helicopters and two pieces of heavy equipment.
Today, Environment Canada is warning that winds blowing up to 70 km/hr could cause damage across B.C., and Wright said the service expects fire activity to increase on most fires because of the weather.
The province is experiencing drought-like conditions this time of year and the fire started yesterday in grass, allowing it travel quickly, she said.
Firefighters are working to establish water delivery systems and directly attacking the fire on both of its flanks.
The cause is under investigation but believed to be human.
"While Highway 3 remains open, traffic control is in place to ensure operations can continue safely. Reminder to please reduce your speed, use your headlights, remain aware of your surroundings and follow the requests from traffic control," according to the wildfire service.
For the most up-to-date highway conditions and closures, visit DriveBC.ca.
- This story was updated at 11:41 a.m. to include comments from Wright.
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