The Palmer Creek wildfire in the Chilcotin is approximately 3,310 hectares in size and listed as out of control.
Fire Information Officer Amanda Cullum said yesterday (August 9) helicopters and skimmers focused on bucketing and dropping water on the north flank to slow any fire spread further north and to support control line.
“Today (August 10) aviation resources will continue to action the fire. Heavy equipment continues to build control lines on the north flank, improving existing roads and assess control lines along the south flank. Ground crews continue to secure existing control lines along the north flank of the fire. An ignitions specialist is arriving today (August 10) to assess a planned aerial ignition that will take place on the northwest and southwest corners of the fire bringing the fire to the containment line to help secure the north flank and west flank of the fire. This will take place when weather conditions are favorable.”
Another fire burning in the Chilcotin is the Lessard Creek fire is approximately 5,476 hectares in size.
“Recent aerial assessments show that fire behavior remains rank 2/3 meaning a low to moderately vigorous surface fire,” Cullum said, “This incident considered out of control, which means it is still capable of spread under changing conditions. Aa a result ongoing monitoring and response will continue.”
The Felker fire is considered being held at this time.
“BC Wildfire Service continues to respond to this fire with BC Wildfire ground crews along with crews from Alberta and Quebec, local contractor crews, heavy equipment operators, as well as Fire Departments and aviation resources.” Cullum said, “Moving forward ground crews will continue to push 100 feet in from the perimeter in all accessible areas of the fire. Aviation resources and heavy equipment will continue to support ground crews as needed.”
Cullum noted that residents, travelers, BC Wildfire Service Crews, and heavy equipment are all using Enterprise Road during the day and overnight.
The Cariboo Fire Centre currently has 14 active fires with 9 incidents in the past 7 days.
“In the past 24 hours we have had zero new starts and in the past 7 days we called 13 fires out,” Cullum added.
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