Twitter user Richard McKenzie posted this photo Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 1, 2018, of wildfire activity near Monte Lake.
Image Credit: Twitter/ Richard McKenzie @SparkedKiwi
Republished August 01, 2018 - 8:14 PM
Original Publication Date August 01, 2018 - 4:07 PM
MONTE LAKE - A wildfire broke out earlier today in the Monte Lake area.
B.C. Wildfire information officer Nicole Bonnett says the fire was reported today, Aug. 1, just southwest of Westwold near Monte Lake.
Originally estimated at eight hectares, the fire was up to 22 hectares by Wednesday evening. It is burning approximately 45 kilometres southeast of Kamloops and is showing aggressive fire behaviour, according to B.C. Wildfire.
READ: Here's what a hectare really looks like
Suppression activities are being carried out by 16 personnel with six pieces of heavy equipment. They are supported by airtankers dropping fire retardant and skimmer aircraft using water to cool parts of the fire. Earlier today, Bonnett said the fire was not threatening any structures or communities.
Locals will remember a fire in the same area last summer. The Martin Mountain wildfire grew to about 100 hectares and forced dozens of evacuations.
Today's fire is suspected to have been caused by lightning, as were many other fires around the region overnight. Crews are also responding to two fires in the Lumby area west of Vernon. The Proctor Road fire is estimated at four hectares in size. Three firefighters continue to work on that fire. Three firefighters and one piece of heavy equipment are also responding to the Spallumcheen Forest wildfire, which is estimated at 1.5 hectares. Airtankers were onsite at both fires earlier but have since finished their objectives, states B.C. Wildfire. They will be requested for further support if needed.
B.C. Wildfire says additional fire starts are possible with lightning forecast for the area in the coming days.
— This story was updated at 8 p.m. Aug. 1, 2018 to include an update from B.C. Wildfire.
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