Image credit: BC Wildfire Service

By Aaron Schulze

Shetland Creek Wildfire

Shetland Creek wildfire doubles in size to 12,000 ha; travel advisory in place on Highway 1

Jul 19, 2024 | 10:23 AM

SPENCES BRIDGE, B.C. — The Shetland Creek wildfire has more than doubled in size over the past 24 hours.

In an update Friday (July 19) morning, the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) lists the wildfire north of Spences Bridge at 12,403 hectares in size. BCWS credits the substantial jump in size to significant overnight growth and more accurate mapping.

As of publication, the BCWS map online shows the northern edge of the fire is nearly 12 kilometres away from the village of Ashcroft.

An evacuation alert was issued by the Ashcroft Indian Band for the area described as the Ashcroft Band Community (IR No. 4, 105 Mile Post 2).

Additionally, BCWS says dry, hot and windy conditions will continue Friday, and throughout the weekend, which will result in aggressive burning conditions and increased fire behaviour.

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“Wind speeds will range from south-southwesterly 15-20 km/h with gusts of 50 km/h, especially in the upper slope regions of the fire,” BCWS states. “Winds will remain dry and temperatures will remain in the high 30s with relative humidity values in the low teens for the afternoon. Medium range spotting will continue with forecast winds as fuels remain dry and susceptible for ignition.”

Morgan Blois, a fire information officer with the incident management team at the Shetland Creek wildfire, says their main priority over the next few days is structure protection.

“We have a structure protection specialist working in the Venables Valley area, as well as heading into the Hat Creek area,” Blois told CFJC Today. “Structure protection units will be set up on as many structures as possible, and [we’re] making priorities as to where the highest risk is and making sure we’re managing our resources in order to protect as many structures as possible.”

Meantime, a travel advisory is in effect for the Trans Canada Highway through the Fraser Canyon from Cache Creek to Spences Bridge. DriveBC says wildfire activity may cause Highway 1 to close on short notice, and drivers are asked to be cautious and consider alternate routes.

Commercial drivers are reminded there’s no access for their vehicles on Highway 8 from Merritt to Spences Bridge.