Cross-border fire fight

Many properties remain on evacuation alert in the Grand Forks area Thursday due to a wildfire just across the U.S. border that officials say may see increased activity as the day goes on.

The Goosmus wildfire sparked Wednesday afternoon near Danville, WA, and prompted an evacuation order for 156 residences.

That was downgraded to an alert Wednesday evening, which remains in place.

BC Wildfire Service reports that while the main body of the fire has not crossed into Canada, crews were combatting a spot fire nearby on the Canadian side, and the main fire still may be a threat at the border.

"Overnight weather conditions supported the ongoing work of crews to decrease fire behaviour and progression. About 2 ml of precipitation was recorded overnight," BCWS said in an update Thursday morning.

"As daytime heating and winds increase this afternoon, fire behaviour is expected to increase."

The fire is currently within one kilometre of the border.

The spot fire, which was in the Sleepy Hollow area west of Grand Forks, is now categorized as being held.

An interagency partnership between BCWS and U.S. crews is dealing with suppression efforts at the main fire, including aviation crews.

Highway 3 remains open, but a limited-visibility warning has been issued by the City of Grand Forks.

Information for those under evacuation alert from the Regional District of Kootenay-Boundary can be found online here.