Locals to Shovel Lake fire

Photo: Kelowna Professional Fire Fighters Association

Kelowna firefighters help with large wildfires burning near Fraser Lake.

A group of Kelowna firefighters have driven north and have arrived in the Fraser Lake area near Fort St. James to assist with wildfires.

The four firefighters from Kelowna, left on Tuesday and arrived Wednesday ready to battle the blazes.

This comes on the same day that the province declared a state of emergency due to the wildfires.

"Public safety is always our first priority and, as wildfire activity is expected to increase, this is a progressive step in our wildfire response to make sure British Columbia has access to any and all resources necessary," said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. 

Larry Hollier, deputy chief of operations at Kelowna Fire Department said they left Tuesday morning and are expected to stay for up to 10 days.

As of Wednesday, the largest fire in the area was the Shovel Lake wildfire estimated to be 50,831 hectares in size.

“There is now a night shift of SPU specialists, and more trucks and trailers are set to arrive for tomorrow,” said BC Wildfire Service.

Over 110 firefighters are on scene with, 52 heavy pieces of equipment, 37 support personnel, 16 helicopters and 17 structural protection staff.

On Wednesday night, the evacuation alert was expanded east of Augier Main SR to Highway 27, North of Highway 16 and to the north shore of Fraser Lake to Stuart Lake, due to the Shovel Lake wildfire.