Wildfire shuts Highway 1 between Spences Bridge, Ashcroft
Posted July 21, 2024 6:49 pm.
Last Updated July 22, 2024 7:06 am.
A fast-moving wildfire has forced the closure of Highway 1 between Spences Bridge and Ashcroft.
The BC Wildfire Service said Sunday that the Shetland Creek wildfire was displaying “aggressive fire behaviour” on its eastern flank.
“Rank 4 fire behaviour, which is a highly vigorous surface fire with torching, or passive crown fire, is moving in an eastern direction to #BCHwy1,” the service explained.
“Due to the concern of access and egress routes being compromised, personnel working in the Venables Valley area will be pulling back to safety zones.”
The Thompson-Nicola Regional District and DriveBC also both shared news of the closure on social media Sunday evening.
“Motorists are advised to use caution and consider alternate routes,” DriveBC said, adding Highway 5 via Kamloops can be taken as an alternate route.
As of Sunday, the Shetland Crek fire was an estimated 14,830.9 hectares.
“This wildfire is highly visible or poses a potential threat to public safety,” the BC Wildfire Service explains on its website.
The out-of-control fire is believed to have been caused by lightning.
Crews said earlier in the day that hotter and drier conditions were in the forecast for Sunday, which was likely to “result in aggressive burning conditions with increased fire behaviour.”
On Wednesday, July 17, the Teit Creek wildfire merged into the Shetland Creek fire, adding to its growth.
