Image credit: BC Wildfire Service
Wildfires spark

Two small wildfires fires spark west of Nicola Lake; five spark in Lillooet Fire Zone

Jul 13, 2024 | 1:34 PM

Two out-of-control wildfires have been discovered west of Nicola Lake, neither of which are more than one hectare in size.

One fire was discovered on Friday (July 12) near the northern tip of the lake, while the other (the Dog Mountain fire) was discovered on Saturday (July 13) near the southern tip of the lake, about 15 kilometres northeast of Merritt.

Lightning is the suspected cause of both fires.

Meanwhile, lightning has ignited five new wildfires since Friday in the Lillooet Fire Zone, notes the BC Wildfire Service twitter account at noon on Saturday (July 13).

The Mount Martley wildfire — 6.5km south of Pavilion Lake — is spot size and exhibiting Rank 1 and Rank 2 fire behaviour.

The Shetland Creek wildfire — 7.5km north of Spences Bridge — is 0.7 of a hectare and Rank 2 fire behaviour is being observed.

Air tankers are responding and holding the fire as there is no road access to the area. Response planning is ongoing.

The White Mountain wildfire — 18km southwest of Ashcroft — is estimated at three hectares and is displaying Rank 2 and some Rank 3 fire behaviour.

The Teit Creek wildfire — 5.5km kilometres north of Spences Bridge — is spot size and fire behaviour is rank 1. Response planning is ongoing.

The Murray Creek wildfire is a single tree burning.

No structures were being threated as of noon on Saturday.