Recent rain showers helped smother two high-elevation fires and ease campfire restrictions.
Following Tuesday night’s rain, the campfire ban for the Vernon fire zone has been lifted, just in time for the long weekend. The City of Vernon also lifted its ban.
The dump of rain also helped firefighters contain two wildfires.
The Mabel Lake fire is still at 40 hectares, but is now 80 per cent contained.
The Aberdeen Lake blaze is now 42 hectares and 30 per cent contained.
“Both did receive rain, although not too much,” said Kevin Skrepnek, fire centre information officer. “Any moisture helps, and it has certainly raised the humidity in both areas, making the situation less volatile for our crews.”
There are 52 personnel and three water tendors on site at the Mabel Lake fire and 35 personnel at Aberdeen.
Three helicopters are working on both incidents.
Fire activity on both fires has subsided – rank 1 fire behaviour on the scale of 1-6.
“Mainly smouldering ground fires at this point,” said Skrepnek.
Crews were also called out to douse a small spot-sized fire near Sparkling Hill Wednesday. The five-by-five metre fire is believed to be from a lightning strike.
“A three-person Initial Attack crew and a helicopter responded,” said Skrepnek. “They had the situation well in hand.”
Environment Canada’s forecast for the long weekend calls for highs of 24 to 26 until Wednesday.
While the campfire ban has been lifted, the open fire prohibition remains in place.
