©BCWildfireService

A wildfire northwestern B.C. along Highway 16 just west of Cedarvale is continuing to grow. Highway 16 traffic is currently single lane for alternating traffic. On July 22 at approximately 8 p.m., BC Wildfire Crews responded alongside the Gitwangak Fire Department to a report of an RV fire on Hwy 16 that had spread into the brush. An initial attack crew remained onsite overnight and observed significant debris and rockfall onto Hwy 16, which prompted the existing lane closures. An operational response plan for today is being assessed and developed to find workable objectives for ground crews where it is safe to do so. Aviation resources on site today include two helicopters and air tanker support. Ground resources include water tenders and heavy equipment, which will be deployed where access and conditions allow. The current operational priority is maintaining the safety and integrity of the Highway 16 corridor.