UPDATE: Wildfire east of Merritt grows to 150 hectares

UPDATE (April 9): In an update late Wednesday afternoon, the BC Wildfire Service says the Quilchena Creek wildfire east of Merritt has grown to 150 hectares in size.

A wildfire has broken out on Lower Nicola Indian Band (LNIB) land just east of Merritt Wednesday (April 8)

According to the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) website, the blaze was first reported earlier in the day in the Hamilton Hill/Quilchena Creek area of the Hamilton Creek 7 reserve.

The fire is estimated at 50 hectares and out of control. It is believed to have been caused by human activity.

In a post to social media, the LNIB says it is aware of the situation and BCWS crews are responding.

There are currently 6 active wildfires within the province this morning (April 9)  including a 1.8 hectare fire about 3 km north east of Stump Lake off Highway 5A.

We’ll have more details when available.