A wildfire burning on the edge of E.C. Manning Park has seen some significant growth in the last half of the week.
According to the latest estimate provided by the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS), the Placer Creek wildfire is now 3,071 hectares.
That is up from the estimate of 2,600 hectares provided on Wednesday.
It is the largest and only out of control wildfire burning in the Kamloops Fire Centre.
An incident management team and 93 firefighters, 14 pieces of heavy equipment and nine helicopters are actioning the fire, which was discovered just under a week ago.
Warmer temperatures and dry conditions have persisted on the fire all week, which is playing a big role in the fire’s growth, said the BCWS.
Those conditions are expected to continue on Friday before temperatures and wind speeds drop over the weekend.
“Today, as winds shift to come from the north, we anticipate increased fire behaviour with pockets of Rank 5, which is an extremely vigorous surface fire or active crown fire,” said the Friday morning update from the BCWS.
“Smoke will be highly visible from Highway 3 and will remain visible as temperatures remain high and winds pick up.”
Unfortunately, no precipitation is forecasted in the coming days.
Ground crews are focusing their efforts on the western and northern flanks of the fire, which are closest to Highway 3, to secure control lines and improve contingency lines.
“The northeast flank of the fire is burning in challenging terrain,” the BCWS said.
“Ground crews and helicopters are using direct attack methods, actioning areas of heat and improving a water delivery system.”
This fire is burning in a pretty remote area and no evacuations have been issued.
