Kelly Creek Fire Still a Challenge

By 250 News

Clinton, B.C. – Cool temperatures and calmer winds overnight allowed some crews on the Kelly Creek fire to extend fire management operations past dark. However, fire weather specialists are forecasting challenging days ahead.

The Kelly Creek fire has been mapped at 11,194 hectares, smaller than previously estimated. Crews expect strong winds and high temperatures today, increasing the potential for volatile fire behaviour.

The fire remains uncontained, but crews, heavy equipment operators and pilots are working to implement the objectives established by fire management specialists. Crews along the south flank of the fire, nearest homes in the Kelly Lake area, are working to consolidate the machine guard built over the past two days. Crews along the north flank of the fire are extending guard in that area, while beginning construction on a contingency fuel-free line several kilometres ahead of the fire. These lines may be used as anchor points for burn-off operations if the weather permits.

Afternoon winds continue to challenge crews, with Rank 3 and 4 fire seen daily. Most of this active fire has remained within the perimeter, though there has been slow, calmer growth of the perimeter.

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.

The fire danger rating remains high to extreme across the Cariboo Fire Centre. Fire officials are urging extreme caution, and voluntary backcountry restrictions remain in place.

Email | Print | Facebook | Twitter | Digg | Del.icio.us