By Greg Fry

UPDATE: Kamloops wildfire remapped at 500 hectares in size

Jul 13, 2018 | 9:09 AM

KAMLOOPS — The wildfire near Shuswap Road has been remapped at 500 hectares in size after minimal growth overnight.

Kamloops Fire Centre Fire Information Officer Marla Catherall says extra resources have been deployed to fight the blaze today.

“There are 103 ground personnel responding. We also have three pieces of heavy equipment, four helicopters and airtankers on standby.”

She says crews are ready should winds pick up later today.

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“Winds aren’t ideal but our crews are preparing for potential increased fire activity and we do have our airtankers on standby.”

Catherall says the fire is currently moving upslope but notes heavy winds could change its direction.

As for today’s objectives, she says crews are currently working on the west, east and south flanks to increase containment and says the north slope is fully machine guarded.

In a tweet issued late this afternoon, the BC Wildfire Service says it plans to burn the remaining forest fuel with an eye to reinforcing guard lines and to manage steep, unsafe areas. Smoke and flames may become visible.

The fire started yesterday just before noon and briefly forced the evacuation of six homes in the area and closed Shuswap Road.

The blaze has prompted the Ministry of Environment to issue a smoky skies bulletin for the Kamloops area.

 No official word yet on what caused the fire.