A combination of cool weather conditions and personnel are helping the Cariboo Fire Centre fight two large fires in the South Cariboo.
As of Thursday, July 25 the Moose Valley Wildifre, located west of the 108 Mile Ranch, is listed at 290 hectares in size while the Twin Creek Fire, south of 70 Mile House, is listed at 275 hectares in size. While both fires are still listed as out of control, wildfire information officer Jeromy Corrigan said both appear to have slowed down today.
"We are receiving favourable weather with overcast conditions, low temperatures and some moderate precipitation across the board," Corrigan said.
The Moose Valley Wildfire remains highly visible to the community of 100 Mile House and communities along Highway 97. At this time he said it is largely displaying rank one fire behaviour with pockets of rank two fire behaviour. This means the fire is primarily a smouldering ground fire with some visible flames and a slow rate of spread.
Lower temperatures and decreased wind have helped slow the rate of spread. Heavy equipment worked overnight on July 24 to build a fire guard at the head of the wildfire on the north flank. Throughout Thursday ground crews and heavy equipment have been focused on the north and east flanks of the wildfire with the support of aircraft including skimmers and helicopters to decrease fire behaviour.
On Wednesday, July 24 the Cariboo Regional District issued an evacuation order and alert for residents near the Moose Valley Wildfire. Evacuees are asked to go to the 100 Mile House Community Hall at 385 Birch Avenue to register with the Emergency Support Service Reception Centre.
A large amount of resources has also been assigned to the Twin Creek Fire today, Corrigan said. This includes BC Wildfire Service crews and equipment from the Williams Lake First Nation Taskforce including bulldozers, excavators and water tankers. There is a total of 45 firefighters assigned to this fire. He noted that this fire has also received precipitation which has helped firefighters.
There are currently no evacuation alerts or orders in place due to the Twin Creek Fire.
