A fire on the western shore of Lillooet Lake, southeast of Pemberton and Mount Currie, has grown to 20 hectares, according to the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS).
The Bastion Peak fire, as it's being called, was discovered Aug. 29, and is suspected to be lightning-caused.
According to BCWS, the fire increased in intensity yesterday, Sept. 1, and now is a "vigorous Rank 2, which is a surface fire with open flame and there was growth to the East and South.
"This fire is burning in steep terrain with limited access points for ground crews. Conditions in the Pemberton zone will be hot and dry over the next two to three days, with above seasonal temperatures expected. Debris falling downslope is contributing to fire growth and making conditions unsafe for ground crews," BCWS said on its website.
There are currently 10 firefighters and one helicopter responding to the incident.
"Ground crews have completed objectives that could safely be accessed on this incident. Heavy equipment will be used to open up access to a Forest Service Road downslope for potential future operations," BCWS said. "Heavy helicopters will be bucketing areas of heat on this incident today as required. This fire is visible from recreational areas along Lillooet Lake."
It's the largest fire of dozens started in the past week, after an intense lightning storm swept over Pemberton and Whistler on Aug. 29. As of Sept. 2, just six of the fires in the Pemberton area remain out of control. The second largest after Bastion Peak is located west of Pemberton near Rutherford Creek, burning five hectares.
Find the latest at bcwildfire.ca, and check back with Pique for updates.
