Crews fighting several wildfires across B.C. as warm, dry conditions persist

HARRISON HOT SPRINGS, B.C. – Several wildfires around British Columbia have crews working around the clock as warm, dry weather conditions persist.

BC Wildfire Service says the latest fire was discovered Sunday 30 kilometres north of Harrison Hot Springs and is an estimated 60 hectares in size.

The fire has not yet been contained but five helicopters and several dozen firefighters are battling the blaze, which the service says is suspected to be human-caused.

The service has issued a notice to leave order to those taking part in recreational activities in the Harrison Lake East area to keep the public safe and clear up forest service roads so that fire crews can get through swiftly.

A lightning-caused fire discovered nearly a week ago 12 kilometres east of Burton in the West Kootenay is now 60 per cent contained.

The service says a 156-hectare fire about 12 kilometres west of Kamloops that is suspected to be human-caused is now 80 per cent contained.

Officials had first tried to treat the fire as a controlled burn but windy conditions on June 26 caused it to spread, calling for a full response with firefighters and water tenders.