Sparks Lake wildfire, Monday evening (Image Credit: BC Wildfire Service)

By James Peters

Wildfire Season

Nine properties under evacuation alert due to Kamloops-area wildfire

Jun 29, 2021 | 9:04 AM

KAMLOOPS — UPDATE (10:45 a.m.): The B.C. Wildfire Service now says the Sparks Lake wildfire is measured at 350 hectares after overnight growth.

“The fire did see some growth overnight due to the hot and dry conditions that the area — and most of the province — has been experiencing,” Fire Information Officer Madison Smith told CFJC Today. “Crews on site are reporting very heavy smoke in the area which will be visible from Kamloops and nearby communities.”

Smith says there are 47 personnel, four helicopters and three pieces of heavy equipment working to suppress the blaze today.

“There are four helicopters out there right now, bucketing water on the fire. If they are out at Kamloops Lake, just a reminder to boaters to stay clear of the area, as that poses danger to the operations.”

EARLIER: The Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) has placed nine properties under evacuation alert due to the nearby Sparks Lake wildfire northwest of Kamloops.

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Occupants of these properties should be ready to leave on very short notice:

• 8092 Tranquille-Criss Creek Rd
• 8088 Tranquille-Criss Creek Rd
• 4000 Leblond Rd
• 7900 Seven Lakes Rd
• 8185 Seven Lakes Rd
• 7750 Tranquille-Criss Creek Rd
• 7645 Tranquille-Criss Creek Rd
• 7560 Tranquille-Criss Creek Rd
• 7501 Tranquille-Criss Creek Rd

The wildfire was first spotted late Monday afternoon (June 28), quickly growing to 180 hectares before nightfall.

The B.C. Wildfire Service says it is burning in mature Jack pine and Lodgepole pine. Air tankers were tasked with hitting the fire hard last night.

A cause is under investigation.

The TNRD has activated its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in response to the fire, and will have social services available should it be necessary.