A wildfire has been sparked near the town of Merritt, British Columbia, after a lightning strike on Monday evening.
According to officials, the fire was first reported around 6:30 p.m. in the area of Coldwater Road and Highway 5A, approximately 10 kilometres south of Merritt.
The blaze, which has been named the Coldwater Road fire, quickly grew to an estimated 20 hectares in size. As of Tuesday morning, it was still considered out of control.
The BC Wildfire Service has deployed 20 firefighters, two helicopters, and heavy equipment to battle the flames. Additional resources, including air tankers, have also been requested.
The fire is currently burning in steep terrain, making it difficult for crews to access. However, officials say that the weather conditions are currently in their favor, with cooler temperatures and light winds.
Residents in the area have been advised to stay away from the fire and to follow any evacuation orders that may be issued. As of now, there have been no reports of any structures being threatened.
The Coldwater Road fire is just one of several wildfires currently burning in the province. As of Tuesday morning, there are 14 active wildfires in BC, with the majority of them located in the southern and central regions.
The BC Wildfire Service is reminding the public to be cautious when outdoors and to report any smoke or flames immediately by calling 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on a cell phone.
We will continue to provide updates on the Coldwater Road fire and other wildfires in the province as more information becomes available. Stay tuned for the latest developments.
