The Petit Creek wildfire burning about 18 km northwest of Merritt is now being held.
Fire Information Officer Gagan Lidhran says the fire hasn’t grown since Sunday, and it is still estimated to be about 100 hectares in size.
“We don’t anticipate any further spread beyond the existing or pre-determined boundaries,” she told NL News. “Today, we have 46 BC Wildfire personnel along with two helicopters providing aerial support. Crews continue with suppression efforts and water delivery to the fire.”
The Petit Creek fire is the first wildfire of note in the province this season. It is believed to be a human caused fire, though a cause has not yet been officially determined.
“We are still reminding the public to still not get complacent,” Lidhran added. “It is hot and dry out there and the fuels are still quite combustible due to the fact they haven’t retained moisture in a little while.”
Meanwhile, the Thompson Nicola Regional District has lifted an evacuation alert that was in place for 54 homes in Canford and Miller Estates, west of Merritt.
“The threat of the Petit Creek wildfire in the area no longer poses an imminent risk to the safety of residents,” TNRD Emergency Program Coordinator, Kevin Skrepnek, said.
“Should conditions change, an Evacuation Alert or an Evacuation Order could be reinstated as necessary.”