As of Friday afternoon, the fire at Herald Creek, five kilometres east of Herald Park, was contained.
Michaela Swan, fire information officer with the province’s wildlife management branch, reports that 10 firefighters remained on site, working to extinguish hot spots. The fire was estimated at slightly less than a hectare.
The blaze began Monday night on the north side of Sunnybrae Canoe Point Road during the prolific lightening and thunder storm that struck the region. It was spotted early by Salmon Arm Fire Chief Brad Shirley and was contained by Friday, thanks to the work of air tankers spreading fire retardant, as well as helicopters, rappel crews and other firefighters.
The fire was visible to campers and swimmers at Herald Park as well as people taking part in the Routes and Blues SiriusXM Live on the Lake performance on Wednesday.
Kenn Mount, fire services coordinator for the Columbia Shuswap Regional District, said the owners of two properties and four structures closest to the fire were notified and told to be aware of it. Fortunately, the weather did its part, with temperatures dropping somewhat in the latter part of the week and some rain falling.
A small spot fire on Mount Ida – about 20 by 30 metres – sparked by the storm Monday had also been extinguished by Friday.
Swan said, compared to the situation a few days ago, the number of fires was far fewer.
“It’s been relatively quiet,” she said. “A couple of small lightning fires popped up but have been extinguished.”
She added that the campfire ban will remain in effect for the foreseeable future.
“With warm temperatures forecast for next week, there’s a good chance of lightning fires recurring as they could be smouldering in the ground…”
She said predictions of thunderstorms won’t help the situation either.
