Large fire burning near 100 Mile House
Posted July 6, 2017 3:22 pm.
Last Updated July 7, 2017 6:30 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
100 MILE HOUSE (NEWS 1130) – A large fire is burning just west of 100 Mile House today.
According to the BC Wildfire Service, the blaze has grown to about 380 hectares in size, and is located near the Gustafsen North Forest Service Road.
So far, at least five properties have been evacuated.
Kevin Skrepnek with the BC Wildfire Service says 40 firefighters are now on site, with more on the way.
“We are in touch with the regional district –nothing formal at this point– but I do understand the Cariboo regional district has been in touch with some land owners and ranchers in the area just to make sure they’re aware of the situation,” says Skrepnek, who adds the fire is visible from the community as well as Highway 97.
He says the fire was likely sparked by people, but he could not confirm witness reports it may have been started by an abandoned campfire or someone target shooting in the area.
According to Skrepnek, more crews are expected to be called in because the fire’s burning out of control towards some ranches nearby.
People calling into our newsroom say it’s burning fast and moving quickly, estimating it to be about seven hectares in size. Crews –including aircraft– are on scene to battle the blaze.
“It is definitely taking over the sky that’s for sure,” describes Dylan Doepker who called our newsroom just before 3pm. “There’s a lot of smoke filling the sky. It’s completely blocked out the sun.”
@NEWS1130 @GlobalBC #forestfire in #100MileHouse pic.twitter.com/9uTaQNPDHc
— Dave Scott SOR (@spacedoutradio) July 6, 2017
Mike Warner was working in the area when he spotted smoke.
“There’s a large plume of black smoke,” says Warner. “It looks like it’s about eight to ten kilometers west, but it could be deceiving, it could be a much larger fire much closer.”
Photos courtesy Mike Warner
The BC Wildfire Service has dispatched skimmers and helicopters to assist 100 Mile House fire crews.
People on or using Watson lake are asked to stay back and give the aircraft working in the area space to work safely.
#100MileHouse @NEWS1130 looks like 6 water bombers ariving at the forest fire in 100 Mile House pic.twitter.com/P0KP0K5ifO
— James Munroe
