A wildfire burning near Murray Lake, just northwest of the Coquihalla Summit, is now 40 per cent contained.
Image Credit: B.C. Wildfire
July 23, 2014 - 12:42 PM
KAMLOOPS - A 340 hectare fire burning south of Merritt just off the Coquihalla Highway is now 40 per cent contained and crews continue to build on the guards already in place.
Crews continue to make progress on the fire, which was just 30 per cent contained Monday, and today more than 100 crew members are working with four pieces of heavy equipment and two helicopters to establish guards and bucket hot spots.
“They’re establishing guards along the retardant lines,” B.C. Wildfire Fire Information Officer Melissa Klassen says. "They’re making sure the guards are substantial and will not be threatened.”
Rain forecast for the area could help crews knock the blaze down even more but at this point it is unclear just how much rain will fall.
“We’re just waiting to see how much precipitation we get, and how that will impact (the fire),” Klassen says.
Evacuation orders for the properties along Murray Lake remain in effect, though Klassen says they will likely be reevaluated after any rainfall.
The fire was first discovered Monday, July 14 and is believed to be started by lightning that day.
To contact a reporter for this story, email Jennifer Stahn at jstahn@infonews.ca or call 250-819-3723. To contact an editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.
News from © iNFOnews, 2014