Forest fire off Westside Road fully contained

Wilson's Landing wildfire now 100 per cent contained, evacuation alert rescinded

  • Aug. 3, 2012 5:00 p.m.
The Wilson’s Landing fire is nearly contained.

The Wilson’s Landing fire is nearly contained.

The Wilson’s Landing wildfire is now 100 per cent contained and the Evacuation Alert has been rescinded by the Regional District of the Central Okanagan.

Seventy firefighters are continuing to mop-up the smouldering ground fire. Smoke may be visible for a number of days as crews continue to work toward the centre of the burnt area.

Crews and two helicopters have been delivering water to extinguish hot spots within the fire perimeter. Firefighters from throughout the Kamloops Fire Centre have worked in challenging conditions to re-establish containment on the steep terrain.

For further information regarding the Evacuation Alert please visit the RDCO Emergency website at www.cordemergency.ca .

For the latest information on fire activity, conditions and prohibitions, visit the Wildfire Management Branch website: www.bcwildfire.ca.

With sunny and warm conditions expected throughout most of the province this weekend, Wildfire Management Branch officials are encouraging the public to be vigilant with their campfire use.

“Even though it has been a relatively quiet forest fire season so far, people should not become complacent about campfire use,” said Minister of Justice Shirley Bond.

Person-caused fires continue to make up a significant percentage of the most costly fires in B.C. Since April 1, fire crews have responded to 670 fires throughout the province, 324 of which were caused by people. This year alone, 32 campfires have escaped and become wildfires.

Compliance and enforcement officers will be on patrol this weekend to ensure that people are following campfire safety regulations.

Remember that campfires cannot be larger than a half-metre wide by a half-metre tall. You must also create a one-metre, debris-free ring around the fire and have a shovel or at least eight litres of water available nearby to extinguish it properly.

Never leave a campfire unattended. Always ensure that the campfire is completely out and the ashes are cool to the touch before leaving the area.

 

Vernon Morning Star