Snaking River wildfire West of Quesnel showed no growth in last 48 hours

BC Wildfire Service personnel continue to action the Snaking River wildfire 65 kilometres West of Quesnel.

Cariboo Fire Information Officer Amanda Cullum said it remains at 1168 hectares in size as the past 2 days of cooler temperatures and increased humidity has helped moderate fire behaviour.

“As a result there was no significant growth on the fire and these improved conditions continue to aid ground crews in making good progress on suppression efforts. Ground crews and aviation resources, heavy equipment and structural protection personnel and trailers remain actively engaged in suppression efforts. One of the main objectives is is to anchor from the Northern flank where heavy equipment continues to establish a fuel free guard and is working progressively South along the Eastern and Western flanks.”

Cullum said efforts are focused on preventing spread to the Southwest and West and limit the fire growth by tying control lines into natural features such as cut blocks and meadows.

“Today (August 5) ground crews will continue efforts to set up water delivery systems and conduct mop up operations to advance the suppression efforts along the Western and Eastern flanks while continuing progress South working behind heavy equipment. These efforts will further secure the perimeter of the fire and prevent growth outside of control lines.”

Cullum noted that a plan has been developed to conduct an aerial ignition on the Southwestern corner of the fire that will cover up to 140 hectares and may occur as early as today only if site and weather conditions are appropriate to do so.

Since July 31^st multiple storms through the Cariboo Fire Centre.

“From these storms many wildfires were detected and today (August 5) we have 17 active fires most of which are in the Quesnel Zone.” Cullum said, “As of today we are able to report that we were able to call 25 fires out, 6 being held, and 6 under control, we have 4 fires listed as out of control.”