File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Marty Hastings

FIRE WEST OF MERRITT

BC Wildfire Service responding to wildfire west of Merritt

Apr 3, 2024 | 3:34 PM

MERRITT, B.C. — UPDATE (3:40 p.m.): B.C. Wildfire Service says the fire is being held.

EARLIER: The BC Wildfire Service posted on Twitter on Wednesday (April 3) to note it is responding to the Petit Creek wildfire approximately 16 kilometers west of Merritt.

The fire was 3.3 hectares in size as of about 3:00 p.m. and was classified as out of control.

There were 16 personnel on site and a water tender, according to the Twitter post.

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There are also combustible, non-vegetative materials burning within the fire perimeter, along with more typical forest fuels.

The additional combustible materials are hazardous to the health and safety of responders, according to the post.

BC Wildfire Service said it consulted with the local fire department to determine which areas of the fire are safe to action.

Crews have completed danger tree assessment and danger tree falling and have been constructing hand-guard along areas of the fire perimeter where they can work safely, avoiding hazardous smoke and shrapnel from exploding materials.

Crews on site will continue to monitor the areas where direct suppression tactics are unsafe.