Tolko site fire (image credit - Jared Thomas)

By Michael Reeve

Wildfire Season 2023

Two fires ignite near Merritt

Jul 29, 2023 | 6:17 PM

MERRITT — A pair of wildfires have sparked close to the community of Merritt. One fire is located North of the city at the tip of Nicola Lake, the other is to the South, at the old Tolko site.

The Beaver Creek Ranch fire is estimated at 4.1 hectares by BC Wildfire. Limited details are available at this time.

The second fire at the old Tolko site is being actioned by Merritt Fire Rescue with assistance by BC Wildfire, as well as Logan Lake and Lower Nicola Fire Departments.

“The City’s Emergency Operations Centre has been activated to support the response,” reads a statement from the City of Merritt. “We ask everyone to stay away from the site. There will be more ground traffic as heavy fire response equipment comes in, and they need space to work. There will also be skimmers and helicopters coming in to drop water on the fire. For your safety, please stay away.”

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Speaking with CFJC, Acting-CAO Greg Lowis noted that there is not currently any evacuation alerts or orders in place for the community. He also stressed the importance of keeping the airspace clear.

“As part of fire safety, the City wants to remind everyone that flying drones within 5 miles of a wildfire is illegal. It endangers the helicopters and skimmers that are responding. Please do not use drones to try to get views of the fire.”

More to come