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A column of smoke from a forest fire burning just north of Sugar Lake can be seen from Michael Haak's dairy farm east of Enderby off Mabel Lake Road. The wildfire is being actioned by air tankers and an initial attack crew from B.C. Wildfire Saturday, July 12, 2014., The forest fire burning near Sugar Lake grew to 25 hectares by the end of the day Saturday, July 12, 2014. Credit: Contributed/B.C. Wildfire Management Branch

Sugar Lake wildfire triples in size

Jul 16, 2014 09:07:47

VERNON – A wildfire that was an estimated 33 hectares in size over the weekend tripled overnight.

Fire information officer Melissa Klassen says the lightning-caused fire raging just north of Sugar Lake is now burning 107 hectares of timber. While the fire grew Sunday night, Klassen says the latest figure is the most accurate because the fire has now been mapped.

Battling the flames are 41 firefighters and three helicopters. The fire broke out Saturday.

“It’s in the middle of nowhere so there are no structures being threatened,” Klassen says.

With hot, dry weather ahead and a risk of thunderstorms Monday afternoon, B.C. Wildfire is bracing for more lightning-caused fires across the region.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Charlotte Helston at chelston@infonews.ca or call 250-309-5230. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724

Charlotte Helston

REPORTER

Charlotte Helston grew up in Armstrong and after four years studying writing at the University of Victoria, she came back to do what she loves most: Connect with the community and bringing its stories to life.

Covering Vernon for iNFOnews.ca has reinforced her belief in community. The people and the stories she encounters every day—at the courthouse, City Hall or on the street—show the big tales in a small town.

If you have an opinion to share or a story you'd like covered, contact Charlotte at Charlotte Helston or call 250-309-5230.

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