The Gustafsen fire just west of 100 Mile House – photo courtesy BC Wildfire Service

100 Mile House, B.C. – Good news in 100 Mile House as the Gustafsen fire just west of town is now 65 per cent contained.

“Firefighters continue to maintain the Gustafsen fire perimeter. Focus is now on pushing the guard lines further into the fire perimeter to reinforce the guards,” says the BC Wildfire Service.

“Fire size is now mapped at 5,700 hectares as a result of the recent controlled burns. Crews continue to work hard day and night to protect the mill work sites and the Highway 97 corridor. Structural fire crews and the RCMP are patrolling areas of 100 Mile House, 103, 108 and surrounding areas.”

Over 200 firefighters, five helicopters and 14 pieces of heavy equipment have been deployed to battle the blaze which broke out July 6 (the cause remains under investigation).

Despite the progress, an evacuation order remains in effect for 100 Mile House. The Cariboo Regional District has also issued evacuation alerts or orders for 103 Mile House, 105 Mile House, the western side of Lac La Hache, and the 108 Mile Ranch community.