Williams Lake, B.C.-  A new fire in Bull Canyon, 10 kilometres west of Alexis Creek and about 85 kilometres west of Williams Lake, was fanned by winds yesterday evening, causing it to reach 50-hectares.

 

Winds gusting up to 25 kilometres per hour were funnelled through the canyon, pushing the fire in Bull Canyon along the north side of the Chilko River. Air tankers and B.C. Forest Service personnel worked until dark, creating lines of fire retardant around the blaze. 

 

Today, approximately 30 firefighters are on site with 40 more en-route. They will be working with heavy machinery to establish fire guards around the fire’s flanks. These guards are fuel-free areas around the fire, which reduce the fire’s rate of spread. As the fire is burning in steep, rugged terrain there may be areas that are inaccessible to equipment. Air tankers will support crews on the ground as needed.

 

The fire is not currently threatening any structures or the community of Alexis Creek.  The fire was person-caused; however, the specific cause is still under investigation.   The public is urged to use extra caution around all sources of flame or heat.