(UPDATE: Aug. 20 @ 12:45 pm) – The Mt. Grice-Hutchinson wildfire, located about 20 kilometres south of Seymour Arm, remains classified as out of control.
However, the fire has not experienced any significant growth since it was discovered on Aug. 17.
It is now estimated at 7.9 hectares.
There are 34 personnel on site with some structure protection personnel on standby.
The structure protection personnel have been mobilized “to minimize the potential threat to adjacent structures, but they’re not immediately threatened at this time,” explained fire information officer Shaelee Stearns.
“Yesterday the fire was actioned by air tankers and helicopters.”
Crews on the ground will be working to establish a wetline around the fire throughout the day Saturday.
(Original story: Aug. 17 @ 12:15 pm) – The BC Wildfire Service is battling a new fire in the Shuswap.
The agency said the Mt Grice-Hutchinson fire is about 20 kilometres south of Seymour Arm.
According to BCWS’s latest estimate, it’s about four hectare in size.
Crews are being dropped off at the fire by helicopter or boat since there is no road access to the area.
“As the day goes on and sunlight reaches this wildfire, increased temperatures will dry fuels and fire behaviour is expected to increase,” the agency explained.
Helicopters will be using the lake as a water source during the operation, BCWS explained, warning people to stay away for their own safety.
“The wildfire is burning in heavy timber on a west-facing steep slope,” BCWS said.
“Rank 1 and Rank 2 fire behaviour has been observed meaning the fire is smouldering surface fire with open flame and a slow rate of spread.”
