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Fire burning on Paulson Pass

A fire on Paulson Pass closed down a section of Highway 3 on Tuesday, August 18.
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Smoke from a fire on the Paulson Pass was visible from the Paulson Bridge on Highway 3 Tuesday night.

A fire on the Paulson Pass closed down Highway 3 on Tuesday, August 18.

The highway was closed between Christina Lake and Highway 3B at the Nancy Green Junction for the public's protection and to ensure firefighters' safety. It opened later that night.

While the highway has remained opened since then, the fire is still burning.

As of Wednesday morning, the fire was 80 per cent contained and estimated at 320 hectares. There were 58 personnel, two helicopters and two pieces of heavy equipment onsite Wednesday.

“Crews are making good progress,” said Karlie Shaughnessy, fire communications specialist at the Southeast Fire Centre.

The fire was first reported on Thursday, August 13, and the suspected cause is a lightning strike.

No structures are being threatened by the fire.