A small wildfire is burning just above the Sea-to-Sky Highway, connecting Vancouver and Whistler.
The Strip Creek fire broke out early Sunday morning on a steep, rocky slope between Horseshoe Bay and Lions Bay.
Air operations underway on wildfire north of Horseshoe Bay, multiple aircraft in area. Hwy 99 northbound use caution. Reminder that we are in HIGH Fire Hazard pic.twitter.com/yIbvRX3pos
— DNV Fire Rescue Services (@DNVFRS) June 23, 2019
The BC Wildfire Service lists the blaze as out of control, but calm winds and cool, wet conditions have kept its size at only three hectares.
Three helicopters and 27 firefighters have been assigned to fight it, but no homes or properties are threatened.
“They are trying to slow its upward momentum,” said fire information officer Donna McPherson, saying rather than being a wall of flame, this fire is “creeping along the ground” and it could take a few days to contain.
READ MORE: Federal fire officials update forecast for 2019 wildfire season
A cause has not been determined although a downed power line is suspected.
DriveBC says the northbound lanes of Highway 99 remain closed just north of Horseshoe Bay because firefighting equipment is on the road.
A detour is available, although delays are expected.
The Canadian Press
REMINDER – #BCHwy99 #SeaToSky forest fire northbound between Horseshoe Bay and Lions Bay. The NB lanes are CLOSED but NB traffic is being diverted into the SB lane at Ansell Place. There is a single lane traffic in each direction. #WestVan #SunsetMarina
— Drive BC (@DriveBC) June 23, 2019
Steve Kidd Senior reporter, Penticton Western News Email me or message me on Facebook Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram