Sunday update: Just over 250 wildfires burning in B.C., cooler temps helping

Jul 25, 2021 | 12:00 PM

The BC Wildfire Service says there are 255 wildfires currently burning in the province.

That’s three less than Saturday’s update, but down from about 300 earlier in the week.

There are 93 active fires in the Kamloops Fire Centre.

Wildfire Service Fire Information Officer Noelle Kekula told our affiliate CFJC Today, the province hasn’t turned a corner on managing the wildfires yet, but there has been some natural temporary relief.“We’re seeing cooler temperatures in the nighttime and that also increases our humidity,” Kekula said.

Kekula added the province is exiting a lengthy wind event where B.C. Wildfire Service had to pull crews as they watched fires grow exponentially. As B.C.’s forecast is expected to remain hot and dry for the upcoming week, with some regions getting into the 30s, she reminded outdoor recreators to have a safety plan, along with staying clear of wildfires and fire crews.

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Another nearly 17,500 properties are on evacuation alert, meaning residents have been told to be ready to leave on short notice.

All the Okanagan area fires of note are still classified as out of control:

Brenda Creek south of Coquihalla Connector: 824 hec.

Bunting Road east of Mabel Lake: 3,000 hec.

Nk’Mip Creek north of Osoyoos: 6,800 hec.

“Today, Division A is patrolling and continuing structure protection in the north near Shrike and along Camp McKinney Road. Patrol work will continue along/near Nk’Mip Rd area for hot spots. Crews will be looking for burn off operation opportunities to reinforce existing guards and protect structures,” the Wildfire Service said.

White Rock Lake northeast of Merritt and impacting some properties in Westwold: 8,702 hec.

UPDATE:

The #BCWildfire Service continues to respond to the White Rock Lake wildfire (K61884) northeast of #MerrittBC. High temperatures and increased winds have resulted in heightened fire activity and increased smoke. It is now estimated at 9414 hectares, and more growth is expected. pic.twitter.com/XxnR2bO24n

— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) July 26, 2021

“Fire behaviour increased in the Salmon Lake road area yesterday, but was quieter this morning. Airtankers were used in that area yesterday to lay down retardant in an effort to reduce fire activity. The fire continues to move down slope on the north and northeast flanks,” the BCWS said about that fire around noon Sunday.

Click here for an update on the three Shuswap wildfires.

The Winnifred Creek Fire, south of Cherryville, is 2,300 hec. and also out of control.

One hundred firefighters from Mexico (pictured) arrived Saturday to help fight the blazes, and British Columbia’s public safety minister thanked them for their support.

(With files from The Canadian Press)

The 101 personnel will be deployed to the south Okanagan region to assist with suppression efforts on the Nk'Mip Creek (K52061) wildfire tomorrow.

— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) July 25, 2021