The Dog Mountain fire has now reached 245 hectares, according to the B.C. Coastal Fire Center.
“Fire is surrounded by steep terrain on all sides and is now burning as a moderate intensity ground fire. While the occasional tree may ignite, it is not burning as a crown fire that is spreading flame from tree to tree,” a CFC statement reads.
Sprinkler protection units have been deployed on at risk cabins.
“This area is still considered dangerous due to the rolling debris coming downhill from the fire. The public is cautioned that this is a very active and dangerous response area, and they should not approach the area by boat or foot. Crews have described 30-60 meter cedar trees falling and coming down the steep slope ‘like torpedo’s’ into the lake. The shoreline is not safe under this fire,” said the CFC.
Eighteen cabins around Dog Mountain are under an evacuation order. While the rest of Sproat Lake is not under any evacuation order or alert, residents are recommended to have 72 hour bag of essential packed. Dry, flammable materials should be removed from lake properties to stop the fire from jumping the lake.
A controlled burn was scheduled for July 7 but pushed back till July 8 due to unfavorable conditions.
According to the CFC, “Stirling Maine in the vicinity of the Sproat lake will be closed in support of Dog Mountain fire operations, today, July 8, 2015, from 12:00 until 22:00.”
A call for further comment has been submitted by the News to the CFC.
For more information, visit www.bcwildfire.ca.
reporter@albernivalleynews.com
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