South Cariboo wildfire update

The Cariboo Fire Centre updated the most recent fire activity as of 11 a.m. on July 24.

Firefighters were kept busy attacking a small fire south of the Painted Chasm on July 19. Bombers dropped retardant on the blaze that was relatively close to the Chasm Sawmill. There was a ground crew working on it and two helicopters were bucketing water.

Firefighters were kept busy attacking a small fire south of the Painted Chasm on July 19. Bombers dropped retardant on the blaze that was relatively close to the Chasm Sawmill. There was a ground crew working on it and two helicopters were bucketing water.

The Cariboo Fire Centre updated the most recent fire activity as of 11 a.m. on July 24.

There are still eight fires burning within the Cariboo Fire Centre region and all are into either mop-up or patrol stages.

A wildfire approximately 15 kilometres southeast of Chimney Lake is now 100 per cent contained and a fuel-free area has been created and tied into some natural barriers. The lightning-caused wildfire started on July 18 and is mapped at 271 hectares in size.

On July 24, Wildfire Management Branch fire information officer Jenny Fremlin said there were 84 firefighters and five pieces of heavy equipment remaining on-site.

“This fire has displayed minimal fire activity over the last couple of days and personnel have made excellent progress.

“The objective for the day on this fire is to continue mopping up by extinguishing hot spots within the fire’s perimeter.”

The wildfire is 25 km west of Lac la Hache, but no structures are threatened.

However, the fire had crossed Enterprise Road by July 20, leading to a public warning to temporarily avoid using the road, which has since been lifted.

At that time, more than 100 Wildfire Management Branch personnel and three helicopters were still on site. The attack also included numerous pieces of heavy equipment and a Type 2 Incident Management Team.

Another wildfire that was burning east of Chasm last week is now fully extinguished. That wildfire covered 1.8 hectares at its largest.

 

100 Mile House Free Press