Lava Canyon Fire Grows

By 250 News

WILLIAMS LAKE – Additional equipment is being brought into the Chilcotin to aid in the fire suppression effort on the Lava Canyon Fire, which has grown to approximately 26,000 hectares.

Today there are 19 pieces of heavy equipment and eight helicopters assisting the 70 firefighters on site.  Two air tankers were on standby yesterday but were unable to drop any retardant as heavy smoke was creating a safety concern.

The safety of all responders and the protection of life and property are the top priorities today.  Temperatures today are expected to be cooler with higher humidity, although wind this afternoon will be moderate.  Fire behaviour analysts are anticipating the fire to burn intensely in areas of heavy ground fuels. Smoke will continue to be an issue.  For more information on smoke and your health please see the information available at www.interiorhealth.ca.

An evacuation order remains in effect for the Scum Lake area and 11 residents have been evacuated.  For more information, please contact the Cariboo Regional District at 250-392-4238. The Newton-Whitewater Road, also known as the 7000 Road, is closed from approximately one kilometre south of the Siwash Bridge; traffic controls are in place for public safety. 

The public is advised to voluntarily stay away from the vicinity of the fire, as there is a potential for active fire behaviour.  All burning restrictions, including campfire bans are still in place for the Cariboo fire centre.  For fire updates or details on campfire bans, please see www.bcwildfire.ca or call toll-free 1-888-3FOREST.

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