Rain has helped fully douse a blaze burning east of Falkland.
The 15-hectare fire near the Whispering Pines Cafe is now fully contained. Firefighters remain on scene extinguishing hot spots.
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Update 1 p.m.
Crews are now mopping up the Falkland fire and traffic is open on Highway 97 to two lanes.
The wind-driven forest fire broke out just east of Whispering Pines Road Sunday just before 6 p.m.
Neighbours in the vicinity were shovelling and building a fire guard but report that forestry air tankers were on scene promptly.
By Monday morning, overnight rain helped dampen the situation for crews to get a handle on the 15-hectare blaze.
“It’s still under investigation, we haven’t confirmed (the cause),” said Steve Olson, forest protection assistant incident commander.
No structures were threatened by the blaze.
Traffic has also been opened in both directions on Highway 97, with a reduced speed zone.
See Wednesday’s issue of The Morning Star and watch online for more details and any further updates.
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Update 11 a.m.
According to the Ministry of Forests, there was no growth on the Falkland fire overnight which remains at an estimated 15 hectares in size.
Crews will further advance containment this morning by creating fuel-free areas and suppressing hot spots. The cause of this wildfire is still under investigation.
RCMP have reported that the wildfire presently possess no threat to any structures and they will continue to monitor the fire until it is fully contained.
Highway 97A from Highway 1 junction to Monte Lake remains reduced to single lane, alternating traffic, pilot car controlled. Anyone travelling between these points should expect delays.
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Update 10:20 a.m.
Action continues on a wildfire east of Lumby.
Morning Star staff on scene report that the fire is designated as rank one or two and is in the mop-up stage.
The 15-hectare blaze is near the junction of Salmon River Road and Highway 97.
Single-lane, alternating traffic continues on Highway 97.
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Update 6:55 a.m. Monday
Crews remain on scene of the 15-hectare fire burning east of Falkland, near the junction of Salmon River Road and Highway 97.
The fire has been surrounded with retardant and the road.
No structures are reported to be in danger.
Because of the fire, Highway 97, from Highway 97A at Swan Lake to Highway 1 at Monte Creek, is reduced to single-lane alternating traffic. The highway is pilot car controlled.
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Update 9:03 p.m. Here is the latest from Drive B.C.
Highway 97 closed in both directions from Junction with Highway 97A to Junction with Highway 1, at Monte Creek because of a Forest Fire. Detour available Northbound via Hwy 97A to Hwy 97B to Hwy 1 Westbound. Detour available Southbound via Hwy 1 Eastbound to Hwy 97B to Hwy 97A
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A wildfire is burning near Falkland.
As of 8:22 p.m. Sunday, the Ministry of Forests reports a 15-hectare blaze near Whispering Pines Road.
Crews from the the ministry’s Vernon Fire Zone are on scene.
