UPDATE: 9 hectare grassfire near Merritt under control

B.C. Wildfire Service crews are monitoring for hotspots after a grassfire sparked by a vehicle fire last night grew to nine hectares before it was brought under control.

The blaze started last evening, June 16, when a vehicle veered into the ditch on Highway 97C and caught fire. The flames spread up Hamilton Hill near Merritt.

Fire information officer Aydan Coray said 31 personnel were working the blaze last night until it was brought under control.

Three crew members are monitoring for hot spots this morning.

No one was hurt.

— This story was updated at 11:24 a.m., June 17, 2021 to add new information from B.C. Wildfire Service.

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