Firefighters are currently battling a small, lightning-caused wildfire north of Whistler, according to the BC Wildfire Service.
Five firefighters and three helicopters have been deployed to combat the fire, located near the Soo River Forest Service Road, north of Emerald Estates. The estimated 0.5-hectare blaze was reported to the Coastal Fire Centre this afternoon, and is what's called a "lightning holdover fire," explained Fire Information Officer Julia Caranci.
"We did have a number of lightning events over the last few weeks, some smaller and some more significant," she said. "Lightning fires can smoulder under the ground for hours or even a number of days before the smoke becomes visible."
The fire, which remains out of control, currently poses no threat to human life or critical infrastructure, Caranci added.
Stay up to date with wildfires in the province at gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/wildfire-situation.
