By James Peters / Doug Collins / Chad Harris

Dew Drop fire explodes to 200 hectares, still out of control

Jun 26, 2017 | 4:00 PM

KAMLOOPS — An out-of-control wildfire that stemmed from a controlled burn west of Kamloops has exploded to 200 hectares in size.

The Dew Drop fire, about 12 kilometres west of Kamloops in Lac Du Bois Provincial Park, burst from its control lines yesterday afternoon, spurred by heavy winds.

Fire Information Officer Justine Hunse says dozens of firefighting personnel are working to bring the fire under control.

“The fire is currently classified as being out of control, which means the fire is not yet responding, or responding only on a limited basis, to suppression action,” said Hunse.

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No homes or structures are being threatened as yet, but Hunse says people are being asked to avoid the area.

“We do have one disruption to traffic. Traffic at Frederick Road is currently being diverted, however there are no threats to public safety or structures at this time.”

Hunse says crews have been performing controlled burns in the Dewdrop Trail since June 16.

“The BC Wildfire Service, in cooperation with BC Parks, had been performing a controlled burn in the area. We were taking advantage of an existing wildfire that had been discovered in the area, and were performing a back burn.”

Hunse says 60 firefighters are working on the fire today, with air support.

It’s hoped calmer conditions will help them gain the upper hand today.