UPDATE: Wildfire near Merritt held at 11 hectares

(UPDATE: July 15 @ 3:15 pm) – A pair of wildfires discovered near Merritt are now considered as held.

The Upper Jesse Creek wildfire broke out over the weekend is now being held by BC Wildfire Service crews. The lightning-caused fire grew to 11.2 hectares and was burning about eight kilometres north of Merritt.

Three initial attack crews have responded, alongside two helicopters and two bulldozers and three water tenders, and continue to lay horses in the area.

Meanwhile, another lightning-caused wildfire to the east, near East Swakum Mountain, that was discovered Monday morning has also been classed as being held.

Three wildfires burning north of Spences Bridge, near the junction of Highway 1 and Highway 8, continue to burn out of control.

All three are believed to have been started by lightning.

Fire K70955, ner Teit Creek South, was discovered on July 14 and has grown to 0.1 hectares,

Fire K7091, which is about 5.5 km north of the town, was discovered on Saturday and is estimated at 11 hectares.

The BCWS discovered fire K70910 on Saturday about 7.5 km north of the town and has grown to 10 hectares.

(Original story: July 15 @ 6:50 am) – A wildfire near Merritt has grown to 10 hectares.

It was discovered on Sunday, according to the BC Wildfire Service.

The fire, at Upper Jesse Creek, is about eight kilometres north of Merritt.

In an update late last night, BCWS said it remains out of control.

Firefighters were able to estimate its size more accurately when visibility improved on Sunday.

BCWS said the fire appears to have been started by lightning.