BC Wildfire Service crews are responding the Konni Lake wildfire 8 kilometres North East of the community of the Xeni Gwet’in First Nation in the West Chilcotin.
Fire Information Officer Amanda Cullum said it’s approximately 215 hectares in size and is classified as out of control.
“This wildfire is producing smoke that is visible from the community of Xeni Gwet’in and to motorists travelling along the Nemiah Road. The road remains open at this time. Rank 1 to 2 fire behaviour is being observed this morning (April 24) meaning a smoldering ground fire with some low vigor surface fire and a slow rate of spread.”
Cullum said ground crews are using direct attack methods to respond to this wildfire.
“Currently BC Wildfire Service has 46 personnel responding to this. Helicopters are assisting in operations with bucketing as well Bird Dog and Air Tanker support as required.”
The Xeni Gwet’in First Nation Government, Tsilhqot’in National Government, and Cariboo Regional District Emergency Operations Centre, issued last night (April 23) an Evacuation Alert for 10 parcels in the Konni Lake Fire Area.
“Throughout today, April 24 to Sunday April 26, elevated Northerly winds are expected to continue throughout the Cariboo Chilcotin region,” Cullum said, “from 15 to 20 kilometres per hour with gusts up to 40 kilometres per hour. Elevated winds will contribute to the spread of wildfires despite the cooler temperatures given the dry conditions we are experiencing in the Cariboo Fire Centre.”
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