The B.C. Wildfire Service is fighting 14 active fires in the Cariboo Fire Centre including one fire of note.
BCWS information officer Talia McKay said resources are currently committed to fighting the Pelican Lake Wildfire in the Chilcotin Zone and the Emerald Lake Fire in the 100 Mile Zone. Both fires are over 100 hectares in size and are considered out of control.
The Pelican Lake Wildfire (C50354) is the sole fire of note and is estimated to be 146 hectares in size. There is 44 personnel on-site actioning the fire. McKay said that heavy equipment and aircraft are being used to support these firefighters.
“Crews are working to establish a wetline to tie into natural features along the west flank working towards the southwest corner and then they will move towards the eastern flank,” McKay said. “On the northern flank equipment is working from west to east and helicopters are working to bucket water to continue to cool the fire.”
As of Saturday afternoon, a wetline has been established around 50 per cent of the fire. McKay said the evacuation alerts issued by the Cariboo Regional District and Ulkatcho First Nation remain in effect.
Closer to 100 Mile House the Emerald Lake Wildfire has grown to 230 hectares since being discovered on Friday, May 19. McKay said an incident management team will be taking over this fire and is expected to arrive in the region by Saturday.
“The wildfire is burning Rank 1 with some open flame being demonstrated this morning,” McKay said. “Bucket machines are also working to cool hot spots, focusing on the areas near the transmission lines.”
McKay said that heavy equipment teams are working to establish control lines from along Dog Ceek and have reached the middle of the wildfire. Grounds crews will be focused on anchoring the west flank of the fire with hose lays and a wet line.
To the south flank of the fire, she said control lines are almost complete. If conditions are suitable McKay added there are plans to carry out a planned ignition to burn off unburnt fuel between the fires’ edge and control lines.
The remaining fires in Cariboo Fire Centre are all smaller with three active in the Central Zone, two in the Chilcotin Zone, two in the Quesenl Zone and seven in the 100 Mile Zone. The majority of the 100 Mile Zone fires are located north of Lac La Hache.
McKay said warm and dry conditions will persist throughout the weekend.
“We are expecting warmer and drier conditions today and tomorrow. We are anticipating a trough to come through the fire centre tomorrow, likely resulting in thunderstorms and scattered showers throughout the Cariboo with cooler temperatures and higher relative humidity,” McKay said. “On Monday and Tuesday, we are expecting cooler and unsettled conditions.”
To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation call 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on a cell phone. McKay said those who use the BCWS mobile app will be able to submit photos along with their report which helps inform BC Wildfire Service operational decision-making.
patrick.davies@100milefreepress.net
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