The BC Wildfire Service tweeted that the Polygon Pond fire started 7.5 kilometers west of Kamloops on Monday. “The wildfire is currently estimated to be one hectare in size and is burning adjacent to Highway 1. BCWS ground personnel and a helicopter are on scene and air tankers are en route. Kamloops Fire Rescue and New Afton Fire Services helping our crews,” the Twitter thread continued. “This fire will be highly visible on Highway 1, Highway 5, Coquihalla, Kamloops and surrounding areas. This fire is expected to affect traffic on Highway 1.” Meanwhile, drivers heading to and from the Interior on the final day of the long weekend are also being asked to prepare for long delays along Interstate 5. According to DriveBC, people traveling the route between Hope and Merritt — which is still under construction after last year’s devastating floods — can expect the trip to take an extra two hours during peak hours.
