File photo (Image credit: CFJC Today).

By Aaron Schulze

Wildfire Watch

Wildfire that ignited near Merritt and Highway 5A under control

Aug 15, 2023 | 9:04 AM

MERRITT, B.C. — The BC Wildfire Service got a handle on a new wildfire that ignited near Merritt Monday (Aug. 14) night.

While the Hamilton Hill wildfire was very visible from the City of Merritt and Highway 5A, Kyla Preto, a fire information officer within the Kamloops Fire Centre, says it did not threaten any structures or the highway.

The three-hectare fire was listed as under control at 9 a.m. Tuesday.

“We had crews, along with Merritt Fire Rescue and helicopters, respond yesterday and they were able to make great progress on fire suppression efforts on site,” Preto told CFJC Today.

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DriveBC is reporting no closures due to the fire.

The Hamilton Hill fire is suspected to be human caused. However, Preto notes the Kamloops Fire Centre had more than 1,000 lightning strikes last week, and the area where lightning strikes can continue to smolder until hot and dry conditions ignite them.

Anyone who sees a new plume of smoke is asked to report them to officials at 1 (800) 663-5555 or through the BC Wildfire smartphone app.