The Bush Creek East Fire burning west of Adams Lake has grown to an estimated 265 hectares in size.

Fire Information Officer Melanie Bibeau says the change in size from the previous estimate of 165 hectares is due to more accurate mapping once the smoke cleared up.

“So we do have 34 personnel on site today,” Bibeau said. “We do have a helicopter who will be supporting, and we have two water tenders. We also have a heavy equipment task force who is working to help action and support that fire today as well.”

“We were seeing some gusty wins yesterday so that definitely had an impact on things.”

The suspected-lightning caused fire is clearly visible from Barriere, but that no evacuation orders or alerts have been issued.

The fire is clearly visible from Barriere, prompting the TNRD to put out an information notice online late Sunday afternoon, though no evacuation orders or alerts have been issued.

“This fire has been exhibiting Rank 4 fire behaviour as a result of smoky skies clearing allowing for more direct sunlight, an increase in temperatures, as well as winds gusting between 40 and 50 km per hour on site,” the TNRD post said. “At this time, no values are immediately threatened and there are no evacuation orders or alerts associated with this incident.”

At the same time, a separate lightning-caused fire – the Lower East Adams Lake fire – burning on the east side of Adams Lake is now listed as 60-hectares.

Both those fires got going on Wednesday due to lightening strikes from the last storm which rolled through the region on Tuesday.