The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) is responding to a new fire discovered Saturday, July 20, near Wells, east of Quesnel.
The Antler Creek wildfire is about 12 kilometres southeast of the District of Wells and is estimated to be 170 hectares as of Sunday morning.
BCWS noted the fire is considered out of control and is exhibiting Rank 3 fire behaviour with an organized flame front and a moderate rate of spread with some candling.
"Smoke is highly visible from the District of Wells, Barkerville Historic Town and Park and surrounding areas. Helicopters and airtankers are responding to the incident and heavy equipment has been mobilized to establish access to the wildfire and establish containment lines," noted BCWS.
The Antler Creek wildfire is part of the Groundhog Complex and is being managed by a local incident management team. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Conditions throughout the region have been hot, dry and smoky with thunderstorms sparking new fires across the province earlier in the week.
Quesnel continues to be under a heat warning. Sunday's daytime high is expected to reach 35C. Thunderstorms are expected to roll through the Cariboo again Monday before the temperatures are set to cool down.
There are currently 324 active wildfires in B.C., with 26 new fires in the last 24 hours.
