UPDATE
Rain late Thursday night helped dampen the spread of the fire on Blackcomb Mountain, but the fire is still burning out of control.
Whistler fire Chief Rob Whitton said conditions could be challenging on Friday when crews get back out to fight the blaze.
“As the day heats up, the fuel heats up as well. If we get high winds … it’s really up to Mother Nature and how fast we can get in there,” said Whitton.
photo: Francis Chiasson via NowPublic
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WHISTLER, B.C. — A small but fast-moving forest fire on Blackcomb Mountain has forced hikers and tourists out of the area that will be home to an Olympic Games venue.
The fire is near Crystal Ridge, close to a lodge.
Starr Munro of the B.C. Forest Service says the lighting-caused fire is between two and four hectares in size and is putting on a spectacular smoke and fire show for people in Whistler Village.
Blackcomb Mountain is home to the Olympic Sliding Centre, which will host the bobsleigh, luge and skeleton events during the 2010 Games.
Air tankers are assessing the blaze, which Munro says is ranked highly vigorous, meaning it’s torching the trees.
The recent hot and dry weather in Whistler has put the area under extreme fire warning. –The Canadian Press
