By Tom Mark

Ashcroft Fire Grows

Jul 12, 2017 | 12:17 PM

Wind continues to be a problem for firefighters tackling the Ashcroft wildfire.

The fire has grown to 10 thousand 604 hectares after wind picked up last night adding another 300 hectares to the size.

Fire information officer Ellie Dupont says the fire grew at the northwest flank causing a new concern.

“They’re considering upgrading some of the alerts north of Cache Creek to an order.”

There are about 7 homes in the 17 mile road area that could be in danger if the wind shifts.

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“Actually we are a little bit windy but not too bad so around three and four o’clock is when it usually gets quite windy”

Dupont says while the fire isn’t contained, firefighters are making progress on some parts of it.

“The fire also progresses when the wind goes. It’s back and forth. The wind comes up, we kick it back. It’s just one of those things. If we could stop the wind from happening we could probably get a lot more progress.”

Fire crews are hopeful with the addition of 60 firefighters from Alberta today they’ll be able to get a better handle on it.

They’re backed by air support and heavy equipment.

by Tom Mark

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