
UPDATE: More support requested to fight 100 hectare wildfire west of Kamloops
SAVONA — Wildfire crews are attacking a grass fire along the Trans-Canada Highway west of Savona.
The fire was reported just after 2 p.m. today, June 5, approximately three kilometres west of Savona. B.C. Wildfire Service says the Sabiston Creek Fire is now being sized at approximately 100 hectares. The fire was originally sized at 0.8 hectares when fire crews first responded earlier today.
Windy conditions have been challenging supression efforts, says B.C. Wildfire Service.
Fire information officer Marla Catherall says the fire is burning in sage and grass. Smoke is highly visible from the area. No homes or structures are threatened.
"Grass and sage are flashy fuels so they burn really quick," she says.
The fire is currently classified as out of control. Six wildland firefighters along with the local fire department were originally called to the fire. Additional firefighters have since been called in to support crews on scene.
Ground crews will remain on site overnight. Skimmers have also joined airtankers to add additional support from the sky.
Due to limited visibility from the grass fire, Highway 1 is closed in both directions for 3.8 kilometres between Deadman-Vidette Road and Vavasour Road, approximately 34 kilometres west of Kamloops. Drive B.C. expects an estimated reopening of the highway at approximately 7:30 p.m. this evening.
For updates on road conditions visit Drive B.C.'s website.
UPDATE: The Sabiston Creek #BCWildfire (K20487) is now estimated at 100 hectares in size. Skimmers have now joined the airtankers in order to add additional support for ground crews from the sky. This wildfire is currently responding well to suppression efforts. pic.twitter.com/5qCs3tlUbd
— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) June 6, 2019

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