Mitchell Ridge fire held at 288 hectares

Columbia Valley Pioneer Staff

The Mitchell Ridge wildfire doesn’t look like it’s going anywhere fast.

Parks Canada still reports the fire is being “held” at 288 hectares, meaning it’s not expected to spread beyond its current size.

The cause is still suspected to be lightning from last week’s storms.

Nearly 30 Parks Canada crew members have been working the fire with the support of two helicopters. The goal is to reach full extinguishment.

A helicopter and crew completed thermal scanning for hot spots late last week on the south and west flanks of the fire. Thermal scanning points crews to problem areas and helps direct fire suppression activities.

Crews continue to patrol to manage hot spots and reinforce containment along the west, north and south flanks.

Very little smoke is visible from Highway 93S and there are no threats to public safety, infrastructure or roads at this time.