Photo: James Andrew – Twitter
UPDATE 9:45 p.m
The City of Kamloops says the Watching Creek Wildfire is not a threat to the city at this time.
The city made the statement on its social media accounts Monday evening, the wildfire northwest of the city increased in intensity during the day.
The fire, which was detected on Friday, has grown to 80 hectares due to intense heat and strong winds.
“Kamloops Fire Rescue is in regular contact with BC Wildfire regarding the Watching Creek wildfire,” the statement said.
“The fire is NOT a threat to Kamloops at this time.
“BC Wildfire is monitoring the fire and will notify the city if it becomes a threat. We will post updates as the situation changes.”
Kamloops Fire Rescue is in regular contact with BC Wildfire about the Watching Creek wildfire. At this point, the fire is NOT a threat to Kamloops. BC Wildfire is monitoring the fire and will notify City Council if it becomes a threat. We will post updates if the situation changes. pic.twitter.com/FowDfVFteB
— City of Kamloops (@cityofkamloops) August 2, 2022
UPDATE 19.35 h
Several properties in the area of the Watching Creek Wildfire have been placed under evacuation alert.
The warning from the Thompson-Nicola Regional District comes as the fire showed increased activity Monday afternoon due to high temperatures and strong winds.
It is estimated that it has grown in 80 hectares.
The evacuation alert says the fire in Electoral Area J poses a threat to life and property in the following areas:
- Northwest edge of the Lac Du Bois Grassland Protected Area
- East, including Pass, McQueen and Isobel lakes
A press release says there are several properties in the area, including a civic address, the McQueen Lake Environmental Education Center.
The fire was first detected last Friday. The high activity forced the BC Fire Service to evacuate ground crews from the fire area.
Photo: TNRD
UPDATE 5:10 p.m
The BC Wildfire Service says ground crews working on the Watching Creek Wildfire northwest of Kamloops have been evacuated from the area.
The move was made Monday afternoon with strong winds and high temperatures causing increased fire behavior.
Smoke from the fire, which was first seen on Friday, is now visible from all over Kamloops and the surrounding area.
Ground crews and aerial media have been fighting the fire since its discovery on July 29. This afternoon, due to the increased behavior of the fire caused by the winds and high temperatures, the ground crews have been evacuated from the fire area.
— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) August 1, 2022
ORIGINAL 4:15 p.m
A large amount of smoke suddenly visible over the hills northwest of Kamloops is coming from a fire that started three days ago.
According to the BC Fire Service, smoke is coming from the Watching Creek wildfire that was first reported last Friday.
Fire Information Officer Aydan Corey says hot and dry conditions combined with stronger winds this afternoon have combined to activate the fire.
BCWS expects to have more information on the fire this afternoon.
Photo: Joe N
The Watching Creek wildfire on Monday