Wildfire In Gaspard Lake Area

By 250 News

WILLIAMS LAKE – Firefighting crews are working to contain a wildfire discovered yesterday north of Gaspard Lake. The fire is not currently threatening any homes.

Hot, dry weather and gusty winds yesterday quickly pushed the fire to an estimated 350 hectares. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Airtankers responded immediately by dropping retardant to slow the fire’s growth, and crews worked through the night to build containment lines. There are currently 18 firefighters working on the fire, supported by 8 heavy equipment units building fire guards and helicopters bucketing water. Airtankers continue to work today.

A specialised Incident Management Team is en route to the fire to direct suppression efforts, along with additional firefighters. Crews expect continued hot and dry conditions in the area, with the potential for more active fire behaviour.

Although summer is over, the fire season in the Cariboo continues. Over 60 percent of the area in the Cariboo Fire Centre is currently at a high or extreme risk of wildfire.

Campfire and open burning restrictions remain in place in the Chilcotin Forest District.       

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