File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By James Peters / Jill Sperling

B.C. Wildfire

Fifty-hectare wildfire near Merritt being held

Apr 13, 2020 | 12:25 PM

KAMLOOPS — It was an active weekend for firefighters within the Kamloops Fire Centre, but it appears the future will be short for a couple of blazes that popped up.

The most significant fire ignited Sunday (Apr. 12) between Nicola Lake and Douglas Lake, about 8.5 kilometres east of Merritt.

Fire Information Officer Kyla Fraser says four firefighters are on site today, working to get a more accurate track of the fire’s perimeter.

“The fire is currently classified as ‘being held,'” Fraser told CFJC Today. “That one was burning in higher elevation, so it would have experienced freezing temperatures overnight and that really helps the fire to put itself out.”

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Another fire that popped up Sunday north of Lytton reached 8.9 hectares, and Fraser says five crew members are back on site today.

“Fortunately, there are some rocks in the area that will act as a natural control line, so that will help to contain the fire,” said Fraser.

Neither fire is threatening any structures, but Fraser says it appears both were caused by human activity.

“Most of the fires we experience at this time of year are suspected to be human-caused. We haven’t experienced any lightning yet and often the ground can be quite dry after all the snow melts from the winter.”

The weather at this time of year helps keep fires from growing too quickly, with overnight temperatures still reaching the freezing level, especially in higher-elevation areas.

Even so, Fraser says the time before green-up can see an elevated wildfire risk.

“It was a bit cooler on Friday and Saturday, so that helped keep fire activity low. However, we are starting to see some warmer temperatures yesterday and today and moving forward in the week,” noted Fraser. “Most of the fire centre is still considered a low fire danger rating, but we are starting to see an increase in temperatures.”

“It’s a really good reminder for everyone to just be very cautious,” she continued. “If you’re in an area that isn’t currently affected by the burning prohibitions put in place by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change or by your local authorities, just remember to be careful when having an open fire of any size.”