An active wildfire visible from the Trans-Canada Highway between Chilliwack and Hope has closed the eastbound lane for about five kilometres, according to DriveBC.
The province’s driver information service says the one-hectare fire, which was discovered Monday, is between Exit 146 and Exit 151. It said those on the roads should “expect delays.”
According to the B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS), two initial attack crews and a helicopter from the provincial service are assisting the local fire department in tackling the blaze, which has been classified as being held.
The BCWS also says the fire was suspected to have been caused by human activities, either intentionally or accidentally.
Despite all the radio, TV and social media posts spreading the news about the campfire ban on Friday, the Chilliwack Fire Department said in a statement that its crews attended several campfires over the weekend to put them out and issue fines.
Those who violate a burning ban face a $1,150 ticket and may be required to pay an administrative penalty of up to $10,000.
The highway blaze is one of around 150 wildfires burning across the province, according to the BCWS, though the service’s website says there are currently no fires of note.
The wildfire service says this week will bring “increased heat,” marking a 15-day trend of hot and dry weather that has fuelled a surge in fire activity. The temperatures at Hope and Chilliwack near the highway fire were forecast to go up to 27 C on Monday, according to Environment Canada.
Thunderstorms will roll into eastern B.C. by mid-week, and winds will pick up, which the BCWS says has the potential to increase fire activity in the province.
The service says the hot and dry trend that has already led to increased fire activity will continue throughout the southern half of B.C.
Environment Canada has maintained heat warnings for parts of the southern Interior from the Fraser Canyon up to the south Cariboo as well as the Okanagan Valley, the area along the Canada-U.S. border and the Kootenay Lake area.
The weather office says daytime highs in the 30s are expected through the week.
The BCWS also says a 20-person crew from Nova Scotia came in over the weekend to help fight fires, while two firefighting aircraft from Ontario have landed and will be stationed in Williams Lake.