Update: Fire NE of Hope near the Coquihalla Highway grows to 15 hectares

Update, 6 p.m. Thursday: The wildfire northeast of Hope has now grown to 15 hectares.

Original story:

COQUIHALLA HIGHWAY/NORTHEAST OF HOPE – A new wildfire has sparked northeast of Hope, not far from Exit 195 on the Coquihalla Highway.

The BC Wildfire Service says the one-hectare wildfire is designated as out of control and is likely caused by humans.

The fire was discovered on Wednesday, July 15 near Highway 5 and the Coquihalla River.

Location of the wildfire (red circle). (Image Credit: BCWS.)

BCWS says smoke may be visible from the Coquihalla Highway along with activity from firefighting aircraft.

Initial attack crews are responding with support from rotary and fixed-wing aircraft.

BCWS notes the wildfire does not currently constitute a threat to structures, critical infrastructure or public safety.