Wildfire north of Vancouver contained after cool weather helps crews

VANCOUVER – A small wildfire just above the highway connecting Vancouver and Whistler has been contained.

The fire along Highway 99, the Sea-to-Sky corridor, broke out early Sunday morning on a steep, rocky slope between Horseshoe Bay and Lions Bay.

The BC Wildfire Service says calm winds and cool, wet conditions kept its size at only three hectares and it was 100 per cent contained by Monday evening.

Information Officer Donna MacPherson says it’s still burning in steep terrain, but crews have managed to keep the flames from spreading.

Three helicopters and 27 firefighters have been assigned to fight it, but no homes or properties are currently threatened.

A cause has not been determined although a downed power line is suspected.

DriveBC, the B.C. government’s travel information website, 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, News1130)