Two new wildfires were discovered in the Williams Lake area Thursday which are mostly likely contributing to the smoke that continues to be thick in Williams Lake.
Springhouse
Discovered Thursday, a wildfire near Mayfield Lake five kilometres southwest of Springhouse was estimated to be 45 hectares in size by Friday morning.
“We have ground crews on site and ran night operations,” said Cariboo Fire Centre information officer Robyn Clark Friday.
Coldspring Creek
Tankers actioned the Coldspring Creek fire east of 150 Mile House between Knife Creek and Jones Creek Thursday evening, which by Friday morning was estimated to be 10 hectares in size.
Clark said there continues to be equipment and crews on site Friday morning.
There is heavy smoke throughout the Cariboo region, Clark said.
“There was an evacuation order implemented by the Cariboo Regional District last night for the Houseman Road Area north of 100 Mile House,” Clark said. “Anyone who is in close proximity to any of the fires are advised to monitor the CRD’s website or the TNRD website if they are near the Wild Goose fire, 70 Mile House fire or the Lang Lake fire.”
Read more: 57 properties on parts of Houseman Road in Forest Grove area under evacuation order
Wildfires of Note
There are currently three Wildfires of Note within the Cariboo Fire Centre.
Shag Creek
The Shag Creek Fire, which is located in the west Chilcotin near the north end of Itch a Ilgachuz Provincial Park grew considerably on Thursday and is now measured at 7,000 hectares, Clark said Friday.
“There continues to be an evacuation order placed by the CRD for that fire.”
Given current and expected fire behavior, crews have been pulled off this fire for safety reasons. BC Wildfire Service is continuing to monitor this fire.
Horsefly Lake
Location: North of Horsefly Lake and west of Haggens Point Road
Status: 526 hectares mapped, 90 per cent contained
Cause: Lightning-caused
Resources: 29 firefighters, 12 pieces of heavy equipment and 3 helicopters.
Objectives: There was a small excursion beyond the fire guard yesterday. Ground crews and equipment are working to regain full containment.
Evacuations: None
Wild Goose Lake (C41745), Cariboo Fire Centre
Location: Wild Goose Lake
Status: 850 hectares mapped, 0% contained
Cause: Lightning-caused
Resources: There are 54 firefighters, one helicopter, and four pieces of heavy equipment on site.
Objectives: Due to wind conditions this fire escaped the guard yesterday and has since grown. Ground crews will be working to establish containment lines.
Evacuations: None
Our interactive #BCwildfire map has been upgraded. In addition to displaying the locations and perimeters of active wildfires, it now also displays which areas are affected by #Evacuation Alerts and Orders: https://t.co/FtKROVxJN7
— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) August 10, 2018
Environment Canada is listing a high of 31 C for Williams Lake Friday.
Both a heat warning and special air quality statement are in place for Friday.
For Saturday, however, it is predicted the temperature will have a high of 21 C, with a 40 per cent chance of shower. Smoke is also in the forecast.
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