UPDATE – Wildfire along Highway 5a North of Merritt under control

Update –

The Upper Nicola Indian Band has confirmed that the fire is now under control.

“We have been notified that the fire down here at Quilchena is now under control. There is still a crew up there cleaning up the hot spots. All residents that were notified to be on alert and be ready to evacuate if the fire comes down our way, we ask that you stay close to home and if all things go well, the alert will be lifted in the morning. Thank you to the unit crew and all that helped us here this evening. Your prayers was answered here tonight,” reads a post from the band.

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A wildfire has sparked just outside of Merritt along Highway 5a towards Kamloops.

The fire started late Thursday (July 1) night as reports from the scene had lightning touching down in the area and sparking the blaze.

The fire is burning on the hillside near the Douglas Lake Ranch turnoff. Wind in the area is blowing from the East towards Nicola Lake.

The thunderstorm in the area show no signs of letting up as of 12:30 am, with strikes lighting up the skies every 2-3 minutes.

Merritt RCMP at the scene confirmed that there is not currently an evacuation order in place for the surrounding properties, however a local resident informed Q101 that people are making sure their neighbours are awake and aware of the situation.

Fire crews are on scene and a water truck from EMCON Services was also in the area to assist.

More to come