Highway 3 closed due to wildfire west of Osoyoos

The BC Wildfire Service reports that an out-of-control wildfire just west of Osoyoos broke out on Monday evening.

This wildfire has caused Highway 3 to be closed in both directions, according to Drive BC.

The closure is in effect at Old Richter Pass, around 10 kilometres west of the Osoyoos centre.

“The fire is currently displaying rank one fire behavior, which means a smoldering ground fire with no visible flame, explained BC Wildfire Service spokesperson Taylor Wallace.

The local Osoyoos Fire Rescue is aided in its firefighting efforts by 22 ground personnel from the BC Wildfire Service.

“They were supported by multiple aerial resources in the form of airtankers and helicopters,” Wallace said.

BC Wildfire Service says that the blaze is suspected to have been caused by humans.

It is currently 7.5 hectares in size.

More to come.