Wildfire west of Kamloops doubles in size to two-square kilometres

SAVONA — A wildfire burning near Savona along the Trans-Canada Highway is now estimated at 200 hectares in size, according to more accurate mapping from the B.C. Wildfire Service.

Wildland firefighters continue to fight a blaze that ignited in dry grass and sage just west of Kamloops yesterday, June 5. The wildfire is classified as out of control but no homes or structures are immediately threatened.

The fire was initially sized at 0.8 hectares yesterday and temporarily closed Highway 1. It's estimated to have burned 200 hectares today, June 6.

Ground crews on scene will be burning pockets of unburnt fuels between the edge of the fire and the control line in order to widen control lines and eliminate potential fire fuels, the wildfire service says on Twitter.

“This useful tactic only happens when conditions are ideal and allows us to create a burn out in a controlled supervised environment,“ the post on Twitter says.

The public should be advised smoke will be produced as a result of this operation.

Fre crews will also be conducting a small-scale test burn east of Lytton today, June 6, in order to asses and verify fire behaviour and fuel conditions.

“This also allows us to be better prepared for future wildfires based on how dry the conditions are.”

For past stories on the Sabiston Creek Fire go here.

UPDATE: The Sabiston Creek #BCWildfire (K20487) is now estimated at 200 hectares in size. Crews will conduct controlled burn operations to remove unburnt fuels between the edge of the fire and the control line. More info below. #Kamloops #Lytton pic.twitter.com/KBPeAfJtdf

— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) June 6, 2019

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