Wildfire north of Lillooet spreads to 30 hectares within hours of discovery

A wildfire 15 kilometres north of Lillooet has reached an estimated 30 hectares in size within hours of its discovery Monday afternoon.

The Tiffen Creek fire is considered out of control as it burns its way up a steep slope off of Highway 99.

BC Wildfire information officer Cassidy Martin says no structures or roads are currently being threatened by the flames.

“At this point, we don’t have any concerns about it affecting the highway, but we do urge the public to use DriveBC for updates on the actual highway conditions and road conditions, and if there’s any problems there,” said Martin.

Martin says a variety of crews are working together to contain the blaze.

“We have two initial attack crews, one unit crew and one response officer on site, as well as a helicopter and air tankers.”

She said the cause of the Tiffen Creek fire is unknown, but the BC Wildfire website says human activity is suspected.

This is the 276th wildfire in B.C. so far this season, marking a stark difference from the more than 450 wildfires already burned or burning at this time last year.

Source