Wildfire spreading west of 100 Mile House, 33 properties evacuated

The blaze popped up yesterday and was mapped at only two hectares mid-afternoon, but spread quickly through grass and forest.

120 firefighters are on scene today, supported by air tankers and heavy equipment.

EARLIER — A wildfire in B.C.’s Cariboo region west of 100 Mile House is rapidly expanding.

The BC Wildfire Service says the blaze is about 500 hectares in size, having almost tripled in size within a few hours, although smoke from the fire was making it difficult to get a handle on its exact size.

The Cariboo Regional District Emergency Operations Centre says a number of properties have been evacuated as a precaution and an evacuee reception centre has been set up at a local curling rink.

The wildfire service says the blaze is not yet contained and that it started near a forest service road and the cause is under investigation.

Sixty firefighters, plus local fire departments, are battling the blaze with support of helicopters and other heavy equipment and were to remain on the fire lines through the night.

The service says water bombers are reloading from Watson Lake and anyone using the lake is asked to give the aircraft enough space to operate safely.

by The Canadian Press

Wildfire spreading west of 100 Mile House, 33 properties evacuated

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