Of the handful of wildfires that broke out in the West Kootenay over the long weekend, the largest is burning west of Castlegar, on the north side of Mt. Mackie.
The BC Wildfire Service map shows it was discovered Sunday and has grown to 153 hectares, up from less than seven hectares reported this morning. It is classified as out of control, which means that it is spreading.
The service says fire activity picked up Monday evening. Most of the fire’s growth is to the east and the west. Highway 3 was not affected and there is no threat to homes or infrastructure.
According to the service, airtankers supported ground crews yesterday evening, dumping retardant around the fire’s perimeter to slow its spread.
“Ground crews and heavy equipment have been working steadily on this wildfire,” since it was discovered, a note on the BC Wildfire website reads. “This work continues today, [with] crews and heavy equipment working together to establish control lines and water delivery.”
A helicopter may also join in.
Its suspected the fire was caused by lightning.
