An evacuation alert remains in place for 24 homes and outbuildings after a lightning-caused wildfire grew to more than 250 hectares in one day.
Burning north of Highway 97C between Ashcroft and Logan Lake, the Coldstream Creek fire was discovered early Monday afternoon according to the BC Wildfire Service.
By Tuesday — burning in open timber and grass — the aggressive fire had grown vigorously in a northeast direction, driven by strong winds and dry conditions.
As of Wednesday afternoon, fire suppression efforts have the blaze 20 per cent contained.
Firefighters extinguished part of the fire, securing the area closest to Highway 97C and properties located near the evacuation alert area, fire information officer Kelsey Winter said.
She also said heavy duty equipment has been used to dig trenches around the perimeter of the fire to eliminate fuel sources that would allow the fire to spread.
Firefighters are also still working on digging fire guard, Winter said.
On site battling the blaze are 45 firefighters, three helicopters and 16 pieces of heavy equipment.
Air tankers will take action on the fire as required.
Sprinklers have been setup atop 36 structures near the blaze.
Residents of the properties on North Road, Landon Road as well as 4515 and 4525 Highway 97C in the Thompson-Nicola Regional District need to be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice under the evacuation alert.
More than 50 new wildfires have sparked in the Kamloops Fire Centre since a lightning storm rolled through the region on Sunday night, Winter said.
