Photo: BCWS

Outline of the Olalla wildfire, burning about 19 km up Olalla FSR

The wildfire burning west of Olalla grew overnight to about 50 hectares, according to the B.C. Wildfire Service.

Fire information officer Marla Catherall says the fire grew “on multiple flanks,” and crews are on site assessing the scene to determine a more accurate, likely slightly larger, size estimate.

The lightning-caused fire was initially estimated at 30 hectares Wednesday.

Catherall says eight crew are fighting the blaze, supported by three helicopters and two pieces of heavy equipment. More firefighters are on the way to the site today, and firefighting operations will likely be visible to nearby residents. The blaze is not threatening any homes at this time.

The fire is displaying rank four and five behaviour, which involves some spotting and crowning. Smoke from the fire will be viable to the surrounding area.