Firefighters Making Gains

By 250 News

Williams Lake, B.C. - As the province announces an immediate no tolerance policy for campfires, there are multiple fires of note burning within the Cariboo Fire Centre.

A fire near Kluskus Lakes has been mapped using GPS technology at 2400 hectares.  Firefighters will be assisted by heavy machinery, and air tankers will be available if needed. Today, crews have continued to build guards around the northern flank.

An evacuation order is still in place for the Kluskus community.  For more information please contact the Cariboo Regional District at 250-392-4283.

A 200 hectare fire burning north of Alexis Creek is now 100 percent contained due to the hard work of fire suppression personnel.  There are approximately 70 firefighters on site, some of which are Emergency Firefighter. These personnel have basic firefighting training and can assist with mop-up. Eight pieces of heavy equipment and three helicopters will be utilized in order to look for hot spots within the fire perimeter.

 An evacuation order has been rescinded for the Alexis Creek area and residents are now allowed back home. 

There is 1400 hectare fire burning in the Heckman Pass area.  Danger Tree Assessors and Fallers will be clearing the north east flank of the fire to allow access for direct attack from crews. There are approximately 52 firefighters and four helicopters on site assisted by heavy machinery.

There are closures on highway 20 and for more information, please contact the Ministry of transportation at www.drivebc.ca or 1-800-550-4997.

As for the fires which  threatened communities of Seton Portage, Intlpam, Momich, and Yalakom, groundcrews and air support continue to suppress the wildfires.

The 1325 hectares fire at Seaton Portage is now 25 percent contained. Crews and heavy equipment are working towards establishing control lines between Seton Lake and Anderson Lake, and when the smoke lifts they will support the guards with retardant drops from airtankers. Resources on site include 32 firefighters, five pieces of heavy equipment, and one helicopter. An Evacuation Order has been issued for Seton Portage and surrounding areas: for more information please contact the Squamish Lillooet Regional District at 1-866-417-4132.

The Momich Lake wildfires, on the north end of Adams Lake, are 75 percent contained. The largest of these fires has been mapped at 1084 hectares and there has been no growth on the fire over the last couple of days. Resources on site include 70 firefighters, nine helicopters and 12 pieces of heavy equipment.

The Intlpam fire, located between Lytton and Lillooet, is estimated at 785 hectares and is 60 percent contained. Fire crews continue to consolidate guards on the south and north side of the fire. Resources include 69 forest service personnel, five helicopters and nine pieces of heavy equipment. An Evacuation Alert is in place through the Thompson Nicola Regional District and for more information call 1-250-377-7188.

The Hell Creek wildfire, in the Yalakom Valley, is mapped at 745 hectares in size and is 25 percent contained. Crews continue to build guards with the intent on creating one consistent line around the entire fire perimeter. The Evacuation Order remains in place for the Yalakom Valley. For more information please contact the SLRD at 1-866-417-4132.
 As for Mount McLean,  Fire crews will aggressively work on the established control lines with support from helicopters.

Higher humidity associated with lower temperatures overnight contributed to quieter fire behaviour this morning. An infrared scan was conducted and the Mount McLean wildfire has been accurately mapped at 3802 hectares in size. Burn off activity on the west flank will resume when conditions are favourable.

Today resources on site include 22 B.C. Forest Service firefighters, 14 helicopters, 11 pieces of heavy equipment, 33 support personnel and 17 structure protection specialists from the Office of the Fire Commissioner.

Northerly and erratic winds are expected on ridge tops today. Slightly warmer temperatures associated with risk of shower or thunderstorm activity are forecast for the upcoming weekend.

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