UPDATE 1 pm – The BC Wildfire Service is keeping tabs on a new 107-hectare fire that is burning in the North Thompson Valley.

The North Saskum Lake fire is burning in steep and remote terrain east of Little Fort and south of Vavenby.

Discovered just before 5 p.m. on Monday, August 14, its believed to be a lighting caused fire, though the BC Wildfire Service is using a modified response, meaning the fire is not being actioned by crews.

“During a modified response, a wildfire is managed using a combination of techniques with the goal to minimize costs and damage while maximizing ecological benefits from the fire,” the BC Wildfire Service said.

“This response method is used when there is no immediate threat to values.”

In a facebook update this morning, the Vavenby Fire Department said it had crews go check on the fire late Tuesday afternoon.

“It is in very steep terrain and it is not possible to fight it from the ground,” the update said. “If the winds don’t get crazy it shouldn’t move to much. The valley and ridge that it is in, is leading it away from us.”

The BC Wildfire Service says an aerial assessment of the fire showed the fire burning at Rank 2 and 3 Wednesday, a low to moderate vigour surface fire, with most of the activity on the east flank.

“At the time of assessment, the fire was backing down slope,” the Wildfire Service said. “We will continue to assess this wildfire for feasible objectives moving forward.”

The Wildfire Service is also using a modified response on a number of fires within Wells Gray Provincial Park, including the massive Kostel Cone fire that has grown to 183 square kilometres in size.

Citing a reduced fire activity and risk to the public, BC Parks says a large portion of the West Arm of Murtle Lake reopened to the public earlier this month.

“Campsites #7 (Kostal) and #8 (File Creek), along with the File Creek portage trail and Anderson Lake trail will remain closed due to public safety risks,” BC Parks said.

“Kostal Lake fire complex is still active, and conditions may change at any time. BC parks and the BC Wildfire Service will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as required.”

You can find the latest information on the North Saskum fire here.