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Crews fight wildfire along Sea-to-Sky Highway

A cause has not been determined, although a downed power line is suspected
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The Sea-to-Sky highway snakes its way up the B.C. coast with a wildfire raging on the forested slopes above. (BC Wildfire photo)

A small wildfire is burning just above the Sea-to-Sky Highway, connecting Vancouver and Whistler.

The Strip Creek fire broke out early Sunday morning on a steep, rocky slope between Horseshoe Bay and Lions Bay.

The BC Wildfire Service lists the blaze as out of control, but calm winds and cool, wet conditions have kept its size at only three hectares.

Three helicopters and 27 firefighters have been assigned to fight it, but no homes or properties are threatened.

“They are trying to slow its upward momentum,” said fire information officer Donna McPherson, saying rather than being a wall of flame, this fire is “creeping along the ground” and it could take a few days to contain.

READ MORE: Federal fire officials update forecast for 2019 wildfire season

A cause has not been determined although a downed power line is suspected.

DriveBC says the northbound lanes of Highway 99 remain closed just north of Horseshoe Bay because firefighting equipment is on the road.

A detour is available, although delays are expected.

The Canadian Press


Steve Kidd
Senior reporter, Penticton Western News
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