Wildfire near Schwebs Bridge on Highway 97, east of Falkland is believed to have been caused by a downed hydro line which ignited a barn. The fire is now "being held." (Photo credit: Columbia Shuswap Regional District)

By Pete McIntyre

near Highway 97

UPDATE: Wildfire east of Falkland being held, downed line suspected cause

May 31, 2023 | 9:00 AM

The BC Wildfire Service is on the scene of a new wildfire about 14 km east of Falkland and burning alongside Highway 97.

The Salmon River Wildfire, near the intersection of Salmon River Road and Highway 97, is estimated at 4.7 hectares and while it is said to be “highly visible,” it is classified as “being held.”

Wildfire near Schwebs Bridge, east of Falkland (Photo credit: Whistling Wind Ranch/Twitter)

“BCWS personnel and RCMP are on site and BC Hydro is responding,” the wildfire service said on Twitter.

“The fire is suspected to have started after midnight,” Melanie Bibeau of the Wildfire Service told Vernon Matters. “We have 13 BCWS personnel on site. We are actioning that fire and continuing to monitor.”

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Bibeau said the cause is suspected to be human caused, which is anything other than lightning.

The Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) said it’s believed the fire was likely started by a downed hydro line which ignited a barn.

Salmon River Wildfire east of Falkland (Photo credit: Whistling Wind Ranch/Twitter)

The regional district said a few residences in the area were tactically evacuated by the RCMP, but residents are now allowed to return to their homes.

While the fire was ignited outside of a CSRD’s fire protection area, the Silver Creek Fire Department was called in by BC Wildfire to assist with fighting the fire until they could get personnel on scene. Crews arrived at approximately 1:15 a.m.

“Working together, our firefighters and these local residents did an excellent job of containment,” Derek Sutherland, Team Leader of Protective Services for the CSRD, said. “We extend our appreciation to them for their help.”

Highway 97 remains open to traffic.

#BCWildfire is responding to the Salmon River Wildfire (K40541), located approx 14 km east of Falkland. It is currently classified as Being Held and estimated at 4.7 hectares. BCWS personnel and RCMP are on site and BC Hydro is responding. pic.twitter.com/Bp7FaA3mW7

— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) May 31, 2023