Wildfire near Coquihalla Highway now estimated at 15 hectares

Wildfire crews are working to contain a small fire burning near the Coquihalla Highway.

Wildfire near Coquihalla Highway now estimated at 15 hectares Wildfire jumps to 15 ha. UPDATE: 2:45 p.m. The wildfire burning near the Coquihalla Highway appears to be growing rapidly, more than doubling in size this afternoon.

In its latest update, the BC Wildfire Service says the fire is now an estimated 15 hectares, up from an estimated seven hectares earlier this afternoon. The fire, burning east of the highway near Carolin Mine Road, was first discovered Wednesday. It's believed to be human caused.

UPDATE: 12:50 p.m. The wildfire burning on the Coquihalla Highway has grown to an estimated seven hectares in size. The fire was first sparked Wednesday just east of the highway, near Carolin Mine Road.

While the BC Wildfire Service listed it at one hectare in size late Wednesday night, the most recent estimate has increased to seven hectares. The fire is suspected to have been human caused, although further details about the cause have not been disclosed. While the fire is in view of the highway, it is not causing any disruptions to travel at this time.

ORIGINAL: 10:10 a.m. Wildfire crews are working to contain a small fire burning near the Coquihalla Highway. The fire, which is currently estimated at about one hectare in size, was first discovered Wednesday just east of the Coquihalla, near Carolin Mine Road.

“Initial attack crews are responding with support from rotary and fixed wing aircraft,” the BC Wildfire Service said late Wednesday night. “Smoke may be visible from Highway 5 along with activity from firefighting aircraft.” The fire is not currently threatening any nearby structures or critical infrastructure, the BCWS adds.

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