Kelly Creek Fire Whipped Up By High Winds
By 250 News
Friday, August 28, 2009 11:59 AM
CLINTON – Hot, dry conditions and strong winds yesterday led to aggressive fire behaviour on the Kelly Creek fire. The Rank 5 fire breached the containment lines previously established on the north flank. It is currently estimated at 13,572 hectares, or nearly 136 km2.
Structural protection crews worked through the night to ensure residences in the area remained safe. Although the fire encircled several buildings, no additional structures were lost.
Crews continue to build containment lines further north of the fire. Ignition specialists are standing by to conduct burn-off operations in the event of favourable wind and weather conditions. Firefighters are currently unable to burn off fuels, due to strong winds in the area.
Twenty-four heavy equipment machines are currently working on the fire line, with 93 firefighters working to protect structures, extend fire guards and mop-up areas burnt around homes. Eleven helicopters are working on the fire, flying their maximum allowable time every day.
The fire’s south flank, closest to structures in the Kelly Lake area, continues to move down the slope at a moderate pace. Fire behaviour in that area has been calmer than on the north flank. Crews are working to consolidate machine-built fire guards already in place behind residences in that area.
As for the Lava Canyon fire, an Evacuation Alert has been issued by the Cariboo Regional District for the areas west of Bull Canyon up to, and including Puntzi Lake as a result of the Lava Canyon Fire.
The Scum Lake area remains under evacuation order and the Newton-Whitewater Road remains closed by the Ministry of Transportation. Informational traffic control stations are still in place in the Scum Lake area.
Any unnecessary travel to this area should be avoided at this time.
The Evacuation Order issued by the Regional District has been extended to include homes north-west of the fire. The existing Orders and Alerts remain in place. For more information, please contact the Emergency Operations Centre at 250-377-7188.
Previous Story - Next Story
Email
Print
Facebook
Twitter
Digg
Del.icio.usReturn to Home
