The Wildfire Management Branch were working with the Keremeos Fire Department to control a wildfire five kilometres south of Cawston. The fire is estimated at 16 hectares.

Wednesday 24 firefighters and two helicopters established fireguards in accessible areas around the fire and to apply water to cool down hot spots. Due to the steep and inaccessible terrain within the fire, crews will not be able to safely access some areas. Smoke from this fire will be visible until conditions cool down and the area receives precipitation.

The cause of this fire is still under investigation, but it is believed to be caused by human activity.

The Fire Danger Rating is “high” or “extreme” in 65 per cent of the Kamloops Fire Centre. Crews have responded to 437 wildfires so far this year, and 14 wildfires have started in the past week. The public is asked to remain vigilant and use extreme caution during this prolonged period of dry forest conditions.

For the latest information on fire activity, conditions and prohibitions, visit the Wildfire Management Branch website: www.bcwildfire.ca

South of the border at Omak, a wildfire has consumed two homes and 8 other structures. The fire has burned across about 5,000 acres, or nearly 8 square miles, on the Colville Indian Reservation.