UPDATE: Wildfire west of Kamloops jumps to 40 hectares

KAMLOOPS – A grass fire that ignited west of Kamloops this afternoon is now estimated at 40 hectares in size.

The fire started today, Aug. 26, south of Highway 1, approximately 16 kilometres east of Cache Creek, according to B.C. Wildfire Service fire information officer Madison Smith.

There are currently 22 wildfire firefighters fighting the blaze across the river from Juniper beach, Smith says. The firefighters were supported by air tankers who dropped retardant on the fire.

"The cause of the fire is currently still under investigation," Smith says.

Smith says there are no structures currently at risk.

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