North Okanagan Wildfire Update

By Tom Mark

Aug 9, 2018 | 11:52 AM

The Harris Creek wildfire southeast of Lumby continues to burn out of control with increased fire activity.

Rosalie MacAulay with the BC Wildfire Service says 31 firefighters backed by 8 helicopters when needed and Tolko personnel are working to contain it.

She says a fire guard is 75 per cent complete.

“Right now it’s estimated at 260 hectares, but that’s out of date because we’ve been having problems getting in to do perimeter tracks because of the smoke because the fire behaviour still is active.”

MacAulay says there has been some growth to the containment lines and growth from controlled ignitions this week haven’t been accounted for.

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Smoky Skies

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The weather change tomorrow may also have an effect.

“It’ll continue to be active. We are watching for when the low comes in this weekend, if there is going to be higher winds. Do, yes, that is always a concern.”

Meanwhile, MacAulay says the Mabel Creek fire is listed 200 hectares but likely larger as no perimeter has been mapped on it.

“There was some fire activity yesterday and it did grow past Mabel Creek two days ago and it did keep going west that way yesterday.”

Fifteen firefighters are working to work on the west flank to establish guards to limit growth towards Mable Lake.

The Monte Lake fire is 114 hectares and being held, meaning its not expected to grow outside of its current perimeter.

Meanwhile, Tolko employees are helping wildfire crews manage the 170 hectare Sugar Mountain fire with helicopter support as needed.

The Proctor Road fire northeast of Lumby is held at 52 and a half hectares.

There are also a number of smaller fires throughout the area that are being monitored but of no serious concern right now and no structures threatened by any of the fires.

by Tom Mark