The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) reported two new spot-sized wildfires that are listed as out of control at the northwest end of Shuswap Lake.

Discovered on Friday, Aug. 2, just past Seymour Arm at Humamilt Lake and Blueberry Creek, both fires are .009 hectares in size, with cause still under investigation. A media release from the Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) did say, however, that "this morning, August 3, saw some lightning activity north of Seymour Arm and into the Columbia areas."

Thunderstorms and dry lightning are still in the forecast for the Shuswap, with temperatures reaching the mid-30s today and Sunday.

In an update from the BCWS, the Mara Mountain fire near Sicamous has been knocked back to 281.4 ha from the previous 290, with helicopters bucketing and "continuing to support ground resources as they work on mopping up along the northwest flank of the fire."

The fire, which had previously been inaccessible to ground crews via the Ashton Mara East (Skyline) Forest Service Road while waiting for a bridge to be installed, which the BCWS said was put in on Aug. 2 with minor work taking place today to complete the installation. 

The CSRD warned that smoke is expected to increase over the weekend, and people should be mindful of air quality and try to minimize their exposure, especially higher risk groups such as children, seniors and those with respiratory conditions.

Regular updates can be found on the .