Fires: Chinlak Out, Tatuk Lake Smaller Than Thought...

By Elaine Macdonald

Aerial view of the Tatuk Lake fire shows damaged area, and some smoke.

The weather has provided some mixed blessings in the fight against two forest fires in the Vanderhoof region.  While the cooler temperatures and heavy rain have helped, lightening sparked two spot fires (under one hectare each) overnight which  crews had to deal with in addition to the Tatuk Lake and Chinlak fires.

The good news, the Tatuk Lake fire has now been mapped completely.  With improved visibility and complete mapping, it is now known that fire involves 12,500 hectares one third less than the previously estimated 18,000 hectares. The blaze is considered 30 percent contained, and a planned control line to  prevent the spread of the fire, is 30 percent complete.

As for the Chinlak Fire,  it is fully contained, and in the "mop-up" stage.  Crews will continue scanning that area with infra-red equipment to ensure there are no flare ups.  The Chinlak fire consumed just under 300 hectares.

The firecamp in Vanderhoof is still active, with 352 firefighters on scene.  They are using 17 pieces of heavy equipment,  and 7 choppers.  Much of the heavy equipment has been supplied by Canfor as the fires are in an active logging area.

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