Elaho Valley wildfire could flare up with dry weather forecast
Crews managed to save a 1,000-year-old tree from the flames
Firefighters battling the Elaho Valley blaze burning northwest of Whistler, B.C. managed to save a 1,000-year-old Douglas Fir tree known as the Elaho Giant.
The base of the tree was blackened by the heat, but officials say green needles remain.
The fire is spread across approximately 700 hectares and is 40 per cent contained, B.C.'s Wildfire Management Branch says.
- Elaho Valley wildfire likely to grow with hot, dry conditions in forecast
- Sooke beach fire spreads to surrounding area
- B.C. burning through wildfire budget
They are advising people to avoid nearby areas due to the ongoing fire conditions.
About 112 firefighters and three helicopters are battling the blaze.
Dry conditions
Lightning is to blame for the fire which has been burning since at least June 14.
"The Elaho wildfire demonstrates how... fuels on the forest floor, such as dried needles, leaves and twigs, can contribute to the growth of a wildfire," the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations says on its website.
Dry weather is forecast to continue on the weekend meaning there's a risk that the fire could flare up again.
-With files from Jeff Harrington