A forest fire was reported east of Parkay Mountain this afternoon in the Barriere area.
A number of reports were called in to the fire centre from residents in the community of Barriere who could see the smoke from fire on the west side of Barriere, across the North Thompson River.
A recent report from the Kamloops Fire Centre says the fire is at 17 hectares, 30 per cent contained with expanded attack.
Witnesses in the area report a helicopter and a water bomber have attended the fire as well as ground assistance, but this has not been confirmed officially.
Area residents are keeping a watchful eye on the smoke, and are uncomfortably aware of what happened in 2003 when the McLure Wildfire made a run at the community.
The Barriere Fire Department were called around noon today to attend a fire reportedly started by a downed power line. Area residents report the firefighters quickly extinguished the fire which had the potential of creating a forest fire as well.
There is also currently a 20 hectare forest fire in the vicinity of Vavenby, which can be seen to the west of the community.