Clinton, B.C.- The rainfall has helped firefighters   battle the   Kelly Creek fire.

 

Fire fighters  were able to mop up deep-burning hotspots within 50 metres of the fire's perimeter.

 

The Kelly Creek fire is 19,525 hectares and 40 percent contained with 86 firefighters working the lines.  Supporting the firefighters are 10 helicopters and 42 pieces of heavy equipment.

 

At noon today, the evacuation order and alert will be rescinded allowing 100 evacuated residents to return to the Clinton area.  For more information regarding evacuations, please contact the Regional District at 250-377-7188

The area surrounding the Kelly Creek wildfire will remain closed to public access. This Restricted Area Order is in place to ensure fire personnel and public safety.

 

As for the Lava Canyon fire near Alexis Creek, the rain helped in battling that blaze as well. 

 

Fire fighting efforts are gaining ground on the 63,183 ha Lava Canyon wildfire. Burn off efforts and other defensive measures will ensure that the existing 45 per cent containment of the fire perimeter will hold and further advancement will be made in the next few days.

Fire suppression efforts will be enhanced with an additional 100 fire fighters arriving today and 45 Emergency fire fighters inbound tomorrow. Over 93 crews and 153 support staff are currently working on this fire and supported by 45 pieces of heavy equipment, and 12 helicopters.

 

Winds from the southwest with estimated gusts up to 30 kilometres per hour will still be a factor to the suppression efforts.

 

The evacuations alert remains in place for Scum Lake and areas west of Bull Canyon up to and including Puntzi Lake. 

 

The Newton-Whitewater Road (7000 Road) continues to be closed to traffic approximately one kilometre south of the Siwash Bridge. Traffic controls are in place. The public is asked to refrain from entering this area.