Wildfire near Kamloops expected to remain calm for next few days

Firefighters are not expecting an increase in fire activity near Kamloops in the next few days.

The Watching Creek wildfire is roughly 16 kilometres northwest of the city and is classified as out of control by the B.C. Wildfire Service.

The fire is mapped at 270 ha in size and hasn’t grown since Aug. 2.

READ MORE: Expect more smoke, fire in South Okanagan as crews battling wildfire conduct planned ignitions

“At this time, we’re not really expecting any significant increase until Tuesday after fuels have had drying time,” said B.C. Wildfire Service information officer Roslyn Johnson.

Rain helped reduce wildfire activity a few days ago.

Firefighters are taking advantage of the conditions by laying down hoses around the fire’s perimeter.

READ MORE: Community delivers food to firefighters battling South Okanagan wildfire

Residents in the region may see more smoke as fire fuels dry out but the service doesn’t expect to see levels of smoke that would limit aircrafts from operating, she said.

There are 78 firefighters, six helicopters and two pieces of heavy equipment on site today.

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