The BC Wildfire Service continues to be kept busy extinguishing fires, including three near Merritt, that were all under control as of Monday.

On August 13, the Long Lake fire near Highway 5A sparked, and grew to 190 hectares in size before being completely contained, fire information officer Kelsey Winter said.

She said there are currently 50 firefighters on site, and the fire is suspected to have been lightning-caused.

The Skuhun Creek wildfire between Merritt and Spences Bridge was reported the same day as Long Lake and grew to 402 hectares before being 100 per cent contained.

As of Monday there are 20 personnel on site, Winter said. The fire is under investigation and suspected to have been caused by humans.

A new, 0.5 hectare wildfire sparked in the area off of Highway 97C near Brenda Mine Monday morning at about 6 a.m.

Winter said firefighters had the suspected lightning-caused wildfire guarded by noon, with the expectation the initial attack crew and helicopter on site to have the blaze completely mopped up by the end of that day.

Two wildfires burning near Oliver have claimed three structures.

The Testalinden Creek wildfire is estimated at approximately 1600 hectares and is 40 per cent contained and is believed to have been lightning-caused.

The Wilson’s Mountain Road wildfire, suspected to be human-caused, is estimated to be 315 hectares and is 70 per cent contained.

An evacuation order for Testalinden Creek and an evacuation alert for Wilson’s Mountain Road remain in effect.

While some residents were allowed to return to their homes over the weekend, about 100 homes remain under the evacuation order.