File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By James Peters

Wildfire Season

Merritt-area wildfire being held; Spences Bridge fires grow

Jul 15, 2024 | 2:39 PM

MERRITT, B.C. — A fire that popped up just outside of Merritt on the weekend is now being held.

The B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS) says the Upper Jesse Creek fire is no longer expected to grow beyond its current boundaries.

The fire was discovered Sunday (July 14) about eight kilometres north of Merritt. It eventually grew to 11.2 hectares before BCWS crews got a handle on it.

Investigators believe the fire was caused by a lightning strike.

Meantime, a pair of fires that ignited in the Spences Bridge area over the weekend have grown.

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BCWS says one fire, burning about 5.5 kilometres north of the community, is now measured at 11 hectares. A second unnamed fire about two kilometres to the north has grown to 10 hectares.

Both fires are west of the Thompson River and the Trans Canada Highway and both are still considered out of control.