The Sabiston Creek wildfire just west of Savona is now mapped at 200 hectares, according to the BC Wildfire Service.

Officials say the new estimate – double the previous size of 100 hectares – is a result of better mapping by ground crews.

The wildfire service also says it will be doing controlled burns within the blaze to get rid of potential fuels that could ignite on their own. Crews say conditions right now are ideal to do controlled burning, and point out that more smoke will be visible for people in the area.

The suspected human-caused fire started yesterday afternoon and forced Highway 1 to be closed for several hours when fire activity was greater.

Meanwhile, near Lytton, the wildfire service says it is also doing test burning this afternoon to get an idea of fire conditions, which it says will helps crews prepare better for conditions in that area.