UPDATE: 4:45 p.m.
The wildfire 55 kilometres northwest of Kamloops has jumped from 60 hectares to an estimated 800 hectares in size.
The new blaze near Deadman Vidette Road has been deemed the Allie Lake wildfire by the BC Wildfire Service.
The out-of-control burn is right on the perimeter of the devastating 2017 Elephant Hill wildfire, however crews says this is a new wildfire and not related to last year’s blaze.
The fire is producing a significant amount of smoke which is visible from several communities across a widespread area near the blaze.
BC Wildfire Service says crews have been battling the fire non-stop since last night. As of Thursday afternoon, 45 firefighters, one helicopter and four pieces of heavy equipment were on scene.
The fire is not currently considered an interface fire and no structures are threatened at this time.
The cause of the fire is under investigation and is believed to be human caused.
Ground crews and aircraft from the BC Wildfire Service are also still responding to a wildfire approximately 35 kilometres west of Lillooet, near Xusum Creek.
That fire is also considered out of control and has also jumped in size today, from 25 hectares to 300 hectares.
As of Thursday afternoon, 45 firefighter and five pieces of heavy equipment were on scene.
An evacuation alert is in place and residents are urged to contact the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District for further information.
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ORIGINAL: 7 a.m.
A new wildfire Wednesday evening has ignited fears as it is located near the perimeter of last year’s devastating Elephant Hill fire.
The BC Wildfire Service reported last night that ground and air crews were responding to the estimated 60-hectare wildfire, approximately 55 kilometres northwest of Kamloops, near the Deadman Vidette Road.
“The fire is near the perimeter of the 2017 Elephant Hill fire. Smoke is visible from several communities throughout the region,” stated the BC Wildfire Service.
The Elephant Hill fire burned throughout last summer and destroyed 191,865 hectares of land.
“This fire is located near the perimeter of the 2017 Elephant Hill wildfire but is a new wildfire,” states BC Wildfire, adding the cause of the fire is under investigation.
Related: One flare-up within Elephant Hill fire contained other believed out
Ground crews and aircraft from the BC Wildfire Service were also responding to a wildfire approximately 35 kilometres west of Lillooet, near Xusum Creek last night.
That fire was last estimated to be 25 hectares in size and ground crews were expected to remain on scene overnight.
An evacuation alert is in place and residents are urged to contact the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District for further information.
Last week, a fire sparked northwest of Logan Lake. Deemed the Tunkwa Lake Road fire, it is considered 50 per cent contained and is still holding at 165 hectares.
Related: Logan Lake wildfire holding
More to come.
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