Smokey Creek Wildfire North of Tatla Lake being held

BC Wildfire crews continue to action several wildfires in the Chilcotin.

The Smokey Creek wildfire North of Tatla Lake is now listed as being held and is estimated to be 7,913 hectares in size.

Puntzi Creek Complex Fire Information Officer, Paula Walbauer, said they have 64 firefighters, 29 structure protection staff and 15 pieces of equipment working on this fire.

“We have contingency line all around the preimetre of the wildfire and we’re really happy with the success we’ve been able to have on that fire. I know the Cariboo Regional District has downgraded the Order to an Alert in that area.”

The Nuntsi Creek wildfire, 1.3 kilometres North of Elkin Creek, South of Highway 20, is estimated to be 2,385 hectares.

Walbauer said they are maintaining current structure defence on priority values in the Scum Lake area and any structures within the Nuntsi Park and are working in coordination with the Xeni Gwet’in First Nation on tactics.

“We had aerial night operations on this wildfire last night (Sunday) and depending on need of course if we feel the need we will definitely deploy those again tonight (Monday),” Walbauer said.

And the Red Brush fire North of Highway 20 near Tsi Del Del, is 4,276 hectares and currently 55 firefighters and 6 structure protection with 17 pieces of heavy equipment are working this fire.

“In coordination with Tsi Del Del First Nation we’re identifying heavy equipment control lines where applicable and safe to do so and we’re extending our contingency guard around Luck Mountain from North to South with an anchor off Puntzi Road,” Walbauer said.