The Wildfire Management Branch believes a short-lived wildfire 26 kilometres west of Merritt late last week was caused by humans.

Although no specific cause was identified by press time, it’s believed the fire was human-caused because there has been no lightning in the area recently.

Wildland firefighters responded to the seven-hectare blaze near Highway 8 on Friday afternoon.

Initial attack crews stationed at the Provincial Wildfire Training Centre in Merritt responded and had the blaze contained and extinguished by Saturday.

No structures or infrastructure were threatened by the fire.

Open burns are permitted in the Kamloops Fire Centre, which includes the Merritt Fire Zone, but the Wildfire Management Branch reminds people to be mindful of burning conditions — including strong wind — which can increase the chances of a wildfire.

“Many areas throughout the Nicola Valley are quite dry, so people need to be in attendance of their fires at all times and burn appropriate to conditions,” fire information officer Kayla Pepper said.

Wildfires can be reported to the Wildfire Management Branch at 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 from cellphones.