WHISTLER, B.C., Canada: A mountain near the B.C. Olympic resort of Whistler was evacuated on Thursday due to a rapidly spreading wildfire.
- The blaze burning on Blackcomb Mountain was triggered by a lightning strike just before noon.
- The fire has grown in size quickly to an estimated 75 hectares, according to the B.C. forestry ministry website.
- At about 4:30 p.m. local time, Coastal Fire Centre spokeswoman Starr Munro said air tankers were en route to the fire, which had "grown substantially in the last hour."
- She said the flames were rising more than two metres high.
- A ski lodge, staff housing and hiking trails near Crystal Ridge were evacuated at about 3 p.m.
- "The RCMP has offered support and the forest service is working with us," said Alex Halbert, a spokeswoman for Whistler Blackcomb.
- Crystal Ridge is "within 300 metres walking distance from the slopes of Blackcomb Mountain," according to the resort's website.
- Helicopters and seven water bombers are dropping water on the blaze.
- The Resort Municipality of Whistler has activated its emergency operations centre, according to a news release Thursday.
- Sarah Harrison, a Blackcomb Mountain employee, was at Rainbow Park in Whistler with friends when she looked up and saw black smoke.
- "Even on the left of us, there's lightning, and a storm is brewing," said Harrison, a 24-year-old canoe guide with Blackcomb.
- Harrison, who lives in staff housing, has now been evacuated from her residence.
- Whistler is the host of the 2010 Winter Olympics, set to begin in February.
Source: Canada. Com
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