Shifting Winds Pose Problems for Firefighters

By 250 News

CLINTON – Crews continue to face volatile conditions on the Kelly Creek fire, as fire management specialists prepare for strong, shifting winds this afternoon. Persistent winds from the south over the past several days have pushed the fire northwards; it is now estimated at 11,374 hectares, or nearly 114 km².

There are currently 93 firefighters working on the fire, which is uncontained. Twenty of those personnel are deploying sprinkler systems to protect structures. Much of the fire remains inaccessible to crews due to rough terrain and safety concerns.

 Six helicopters are bucketing water and fire retardant to slow the fire’s progression, while 15 heavy equipment machines are building fuel-free lines along the south flank, closest to homes in the Kelly Lake area. Heavy equipment operators continue extending fire guards along the north flank, and are beginning work on contingency guards further north of the fire as a precaution.

A specialised Type-1 Incident Management Team from Ontario has assumed control of the fire, will continue to implement plans established by the outgoing Team. Preparations continue for burn-off operations to remove fuels between containment lines and the fire when the weather is favourable.

The Village of Clinton and the Thompson Nicola and Squamish-Lillooet Regional Districts have issued evacuation orders and alerts in the vicinity of this fire. For more information, please contact the Emergency Operations Centre at 250-377-7188.

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