Wildfires near Hwy 3

UPDATE 2 P.M.

Two separate fires continue to burn near Highway 3 in areas east of the community of Grand Forks.

The BC wildfire Service is helping to battle the larger of the two blazes, now estimated at 20 hectares in size in the Gilpin area east of the community.

At the present time, seven BC Wildfire Service personnel, airtankers and one helicopter are assisting Grand Forks Fire and Rescue on that fire.

The second fire, in the Billings area, south of Christina Lake, is just two hectares in size.

After initially providing assistance, the province has now turned that fire over to local fire crews.

Neither fire is threatening structures in the area, however, both are visible given their proximity to the highway.

Highway 3 was closed initially Tuesday morning. However, the route has been partially reopened to single-lane alternating traffic.

UPDATE: 1 p.m.

Highway 3 is now open to single-lane alternating traffic.

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ORIGINAL

A swath of Highway 3 near Grand Forks is closed because of a couple of wildfires in the area.

Southeast Fire Centre spokesperson Karlie Shaughnessy said two fires are currently burning in the area between Grand Forks and Christina Lake.

Both are near the highway, forcing closure of the route.

One fire, just east of Grand Forks in the Gilpin area, is estimated at 10 hectares in size. Air tankers and ground crews from the BC Wildfire Service and Grand Forks Fire Department are fighting the blaze.

The second fire, at the southern edge of Christina Lake near Stuart Creek is spot size. It is also near the highway.

Shaughnessy said no structures are threatened, but with the proximity to the highway, the roadway has been closed until further notice.

DriveBC said there is no detour and no expected time of reopening.