Update:
The wildfire north of Chasm and south of 70 Mile is now measuring at an estimated 400 hectares.
Wildfire crews observed increased fire activity Saturday, including an “excursion” – a spot fire outside of containment lines – which was actioned by air tankers and ground personnel.
An update provided by BC Wildfire Service at 9:11 p.m. Saturday stated that heavy equipment would be working to establish a guard around the excursion, until it is contained, with personnel on site overnight to monitor.
The ‘wildfire of note’ is approximately one kilometre from Highway 97, according to BC Wildfire, who said the highway is not threatened at this time.
There are currently 18 firefighters and eight pieces of heavy equipment working on the Chasm fire, with 199 properties on evacuation alert as a result of the blaze.
Update:
A fire north of Chasm Park and south of 70 Mile House has grown to an estimated 374 hectares.
BC Wildfire said Thursday the wildfire continues to grow in a north and northeast direction and the highway has not been impacted.
More to come.
Original story:
Heavy equipment worked throughout the night to construct a fuel-free guard around the wildfire. The wildfire continues to grow in a north and northeast direction. The highway has not been impacted by this wildfire. Today, the focus is to secure containment lines and if conditions are suitable, complete small-scaled hand ignitions to remove unburned fuels.
Firefighters worked throughout the night to construct a fuel-free guard around a 200-hectare “fire of note” north of Chasm Park and south of 70 Mile that has led to an evacuation alert for 199 properties.
BC Wildfire Service said the fire, discovered Tuesday, July 13, is believed to have been caused by lightning and is moving in a north and northeast direction. The focus Thursday was to “secure containment lines and if conditions are suitable, complete small-scaled hand ignitions to remove unburned fuels.”
Twenty-four firefighters are working the blaze.
More to come.
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