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Fire burning near Coquihalla Highway grows to 1,870 hectares

Fire off Coquihalla grows

A wildfire burning within several hundred metres of the Coquihalla Highway has now grown to 1,870 hectares.

The July Mountain wildfire was previously mapped at 1,267 hectares.

The BC Wildfire Service says the fire is continuing to move parallel to the highway, rather than towards it, and is not growing on the north and east flanks where helicopter bucketing has been active.

Fire officials say the blaze is within one kilometre of the highway, motorists estimate about 500 metres, but it is not immediately threatening Highway 5.

There are now 30 firefighters, three helicopters and two pieces of heavy equipment assigned to the fire. Contract personnel are also assisting.

The fire has resulted in an evacuation order for 25 properties in the Juliet Drive area north of Coldwater River Provincial Park.



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