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Wildfire update: Evacuations ended for Mt. Hicks, Skagit Valley and Spuzzum fire still burning

Mt.Hicks wildfire now 80 per cent contained, Skagit Valley and Spuzzum fires under ‘modified response’
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An evacuation alert for properties near the Mt.Hicks wildfire has ended, while a fire in the Skagit Valley has doubled in size leaving the provincial park closed.

The Mt. Hicks fire, burning 10 kilometres north of Agassiz, has grown to 4.22 square kilometres, but is now 80 per cent contained.

While visible spots of fire can be seen from Highway 7, the District of Kent (DOK) says these spots are being monitored by BC Wildfire to reduce fuels for future fires.

READ MORE: Mt.Hicks fire threatens homes as it moves west

While the risk of wildfire in the area has diminished, the fire is not completely out. DOK warns that an evacuation alert or order may be reissued if the danger returns.

Highway 7 is now completely open although Drive BC warns that smoke may impact visibility.

The wildfire at the 35 kilometre mark along the Silver-Skagit Road in the Skagit Valley is now at 46 square kilometres, doubling size since Aug. 14.

The fire was first discovered Aug. 4 and led to the closure of the Skagit Valley Provincial Park Aug. 9. It was under modified response for most of August, meaning the fire is monitored but not fought and is allowed to burn naturally.

READ MORE: Skagit Valley Provincial Park and Silver Skagit Road closed

Dorthe Jakobsen with the BC Wildfire Service said there are now five firefighters, as well as a tree faller and support staff suppressing the fire and working on protecting infrastructure along the Silver Skagit Road. The road remains closed from the eight kilometre mark.

READ MORE: Wildfire update: Fires burning in Fraser Canyon, Highway 7 and Skagit Valley

A wildfire burning in a remote area close to Spuzzum Creek in the Fraser Canyon has grown from one to four square kilometres, it is still under modified response.



nina.grossman@ahobserver.com

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