BC Wildfire Service responding to Valenzuela Lake fire near 100 Mile House

100 MILE HOUSE, B.C. — The BC Wildfire Service is responding to a new wildfire start in the south Cariboo, approximately 40 kilometres southwest of 100 Mile House.

It notes the Valenzuela Lake wildfire is currently estimated to be 35 hectares in size, up from the previous estimate of 15 hectares. Just like the fires in the Fraser Canyon, the BC Wildfire Service said fire growth towards the east is due to strong winds, elevated temperatures and dry conditions.

“The fire is primarily a smouldering ground fire with some single tree candling, a significant decrease from the intermittent crown fire observed [Wednesday, July 8] afternoon,” a statement from the BC Wildfire Service said.

“Skimmers have been effective in reducing fire behaviour and slowing progression. Water drops from skimmers reinforced the airtanker retardant line, limiting the fire’s spread.”