Scorching heat in the forecast as crews battle small wildfire near Osoyoos
Wildfire shut down Highway 3 for several hours Friday morning
Wildfire crews battling a blaze in B.C.'s southern Okanagan aren't expecting much help from the weather as temperatures in the region were forecast to be among the highest in the province Friday.
Environment Canada says highs of 34 C, in Osoyoos, will feel closer to 36 C with the humidity, while there's a risk of thunderstorms and gusty winds overnight and early Saturday.
An out-of-control wildfire has been burning west of Osoyoos, near Highway 3, since Wednesday.
The BC Wildfire Service website said flames have charred about half of a square kilometre of bush.
Highway 3 between Osoyoos and Keremeos was closed Friday morning as the fire crept close to the road, but the route reopened within hours.
The wildfire is believed to have been sparked by lightning.
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BCHwy3?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BCHwy3</a> CLOSED from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BCHwy97?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BCHwy97</a> junction and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BCHwy3A?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BCHwy3A</a> junction (Osoyoos to Keremeos) due to a forest fire, alternate routes via <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BCHwy3A?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BCHwy3A</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BCHwy97?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BCHwy97</a>. Assessment ongoing <a href="https://t.co/ZDS6A9pRoc">https://t.co/ZDS6A9pRoc</a>
—@DriveBC