UPDATE: Kamloops grassfire burns to within metres of homes

KAMLOOPS – Firefighters are starting to get a handle on a highly visible interface wildfire burning in the Batchelor Heights area of Kamloops.

Flames and smoke from the 60 hectare grassfire that broke out earlier this evening, June 21, were clearly visible from the city.

The residents evacuated from 12 homes in Batchelor Heights have already been told they may return home, according to a media release from the City of Kamloops.

B.C. Wildfire Service spokesman Kevin Skrepnek says more than 40 wildfire service and Kamloops firefighters were assigned to the blaze, backed by a number of air tankers dropping retardant. The fire fburned within metres of the 12 evacuated homes.

Kamloops fire chief Mike Adams says says they are hopeful the weather will cooperate, and the wind will die down, to help slow down the fire.

He says it is too early to determine the cause of the fire.

"It's too early to speculate, but we had the lightning storm come through here and then the report of the grassfire followed shortly after," he says.

Social media is lighting up with photos and video from the wildfire.

Looks like the grass fire is mostly under control. #BCWildfire #kamloops @Kamscan @CFJC_Today @GlobalBC pic.twitter.com/c5xDTRoGpt

— Travis Olson (@travisolson86) June 22, 2018

#BCWildfire #kamloops #breaking #kamloopsfire pic.twitter.com/FDOZxXYW3w

— Hark (@Hark14540500) June 22, 2018

Fire in Bachelor Heights in #Kamloops. Wind blowing it like crazy. This was just under an hour ago, it's starting to rain now so hopefully that helps. We don't need a repeat of the 2017 BC fire season. pic.twitter.com/hGLpdOLMAh

— RUL Carr Nyuli (@FoundationAfro) June 22, 2018

Huge fire breached the hill across the street. Kamloops Bc. Bags are packed and were ready to get out of here. #Kamloops #fire pic.twitter.com/1n6BDyXtM7

— Edward Adams (@EdwardA44235615) June 22, 2018

Gettin er dealt with! #BCWildfire #Kamloops @Kamscan pic.twitter.com/TCHXu7rTcC

— Dani Pears (@dandidani) June 22, 2018

#BCwildfire pic.twitter.com/eyBLF6dLeS

— Tango Hotel Charlie (@StreetVillain) June 22, 2018

— With files from The Canadian Press

— This story was updated at 7:36 p.m., Thursday, June 21, 2018 with information from Kamloops Fire Resue.

— This story was updated at 7:42 p.m., Thursday, June 21, 2018 with new information from the City of Kamloops. 

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