By James Peters

Spences Bridge wildfire calms significantly

Jul 24, 2018 | 9:55 AM

SPENCES BRIDGE, B.C. — The wildfire threatening the community of Spences Bridge has calmed significantly overnight, but an evacuation alert for the community remains in place.

Fire Information Officer Nicole Bonnett says fire activity is muted on the 85-hectare blaze this morning.

Bonnett says 23 BC Wildfire Service personnel were working to suppress the flames last night.

“We’ve got another 23 out there this morning and more are en route. The crews are going to continue their suppression efforts today with more water delivery to the fire around the perimeter. It’s pretty minimal fire behaviour at this point,” said Bonnett.

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Bonnett says, barring a major change in the weather, it’s unlikely the fire will spread further outside of its current boundaries.

The fire broke out Monday afternoon just north of Spences Bridge, between the Trans Canada Highway and the rail tracks adjacent to the Thompson River.

The blaze quickly grew to 80 hectares Monday evening, leading the Thompson-Nicola Regional District to place the entire community on an evacuation alert.

Three properties along the Trans Canada were evacuated briefly, but the TNRD rescinded that order later in the evening.

While the Trans Canada was closed in the area for much of Monday evening, traffic is getting through today on a single-lane, alternating basis.

VIDEO: A bucketing helicopter dumps its load on a hot spot. (Video: CFJC Today / Jill Sperling)

VIDEO: A bucketing helicopter picks up a load from the Thompson River. (Video: CFJC Today / Jill Sperling)

VIDEO: Watch as the Spences Bridge wildfire takes off Monday afternoon. (Video: Facebook / Amanda Rose Billy)