Tensions easing over Sparks Lake wildfire northwest of Kamloops

KAMLOOPS – It appears the worst may be over in the battle to contain the largest wildfire in British Columbia. The B.C. Wildfire Service says it hasn’t seen significant growth on the 771 square kilometre Sparks Lake wildfire over the past few days.

Fire guards have been established and more small burns are planned to reduce the amount of fuel for the fire. However the fire is still classified as out of control by the B.C. Wildfire Service.

BC Hydro crews have begun to work around the clock to repair and rebuild infrastructure that was damaged by flames. Once that work is complete, authorities are expected to begin downgrading Evacuation Orders that are in place around the blaze.

An area such as Red Lake to Criss Creek could be among the first to have Evacuation Orders removed.

The cause of the Sparks Lake wildfire remains under investigation.

It was first spotted June 28, west of Kamloops Lake.