Two small wildfires spark in Thompson Okanagan region

Two small wildfires have sparked in the Thompson Okanagan region near Kamloops and Peachland.

The B.C. Wildfire Service discovered a wildfire near Drought Creek and Highway 97C northeast of Peachland, April 30. It is estimated to be 0.1 hectare in size and B.C. Wildfire information officer Shaelee Sterns did not have an update if the fire has grown today.

A wildfire has also started to the southwest of Kamloops at the Timber Lake Forest Service Road. Sterns also did not have additional information on the wildfire. It is listed on the service's wildfire map as 0.1 hectare in size.

The largest wildfire currently burning within the Kamloops Fire Centre's boundaries in the North Shuswap has not significantly grown overnight.

Sterns said there are 20 wildfire personnel on site today, at the fire's location in the Horseshoe Bay area near St. Ives.

The fire was first discovered April 28 and the cause is under investigation but it's suspected to be human related.

A helicopter may be on site today to transport gear to the top of the fire as crews deal with rougher terrain, she said.

The fire is currently mapped by the wildfire service at 15.73 hectares.

Firefighters have been able to lay a sprinkler hose system around about 50% of the fire, she said.

It is still classified as out of control.

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