FILE PHOTO
Image Credit: File photo
Republished July 31, 2017 - 6:14 PM
Original Publication Date July 31, 2017 - 4:59 PM
KAMLOOPS - The quick work of firefighters has a blaze that sparked up near Monte Lake under control, according to the B.C. Wildfire Service.
The two hectare fire was deemed under control as of Monday night, July 31. Fire crews worked diligently to dig a guard around it at the south end of Monte Lake about six kilometres northwest of the community of Westwold.
The fire caused the closure of Highway 97 in both directions at Monte Lake Monday afternoon, but according to Drive B.C., the highway was back open as of Tuesday morning, Aug. 1.
While there were reports on social media that the fire was near a campsite and caused campers to flee, the B.C. Wildfire Service can't confirm the fire's proximity to any campsites though they say no structures were threatened by the blaze.
In all, 34 firefighters were used to battle this fire along with three helicopters, an air tanker and heavy equipment.
For a list of road closures and available detours, go here or follow @DriveBC on Twitter.
— This story was updated at 5:32 p.m. July 31, 2017 to update the number of firefighters and helicopters on scene.
— This story was updated at 6:09 p.m. July 31, 2017 to say fire is under control and update number of firefighters and equipment.
— This story was updated at 6:26 a.m. Aug. 1, 2017 to say the highway was reopened.
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News from © iNFOnews, 2017