A fire has sparked in an industrial area of Merritt Saturday afternoon.
The fire is located off Houston Street and appears to have originated as a slash pile that got out of control due to strong winds in the area shortly before 4 p.m. July 29.
A helicopter could be seen dumping buckets of water on the blaze.
A Black Press Media reporter is near the scene, and says the fire can be seen spreading north into trees and bushes.
Thick smoke can be seen in the area of the fire.
An ambulance is standing by near the blaze.
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