Update:
The Flat Lake wildfire saw moderate fire behavior with some growth in the south and southwest, but with the expected weather forecast for the next few days, BC Wildfire anticipates crews can safely conduct direct attack operations.
Heavy equipment was working Friday to gain access and establish indirect control lines on the east flank of the Flat Lake wildfire near Davis Lake, working from Bullock Lake Road moving northwards to the Gustafsen guard.
BC Wildfire Service said Friday that if conditions permit, ignitions are planned for a small area north of Davis Lake.
Crews will also be mopping up in and around residences in the vicinity of 83 Mile and Highway 97 and are working north of Stormy road to remove available fuels between the fire and the guard. On the north end, crews will be working to connect existing road systems in the vicinity of Gustafsen and Nielson Lakes.
There are 15 helicopters available to continue to action the fires within this complex with bucketing activities. Structural protection specialists continue to support the residences and properties on Bullock Lake Road.
On July 17, 2021, the Thompson Nicola Regional District upgraded an evacuation alert to order for Electoral E (Bonaparte Plateau) in the vicinity of Gustafsen and Neilson Lakes. The additional evacuation alert issued by the Thompson Nicola Regional District remains in place. The evacuation order and alert issued by the Cariboo Regional District remain in place.
Original story:
Crews and equipment made “notable progress” Thursday, July 22, to secure the Flat Lake wildfire on the east side up to Begbie Summit, according to the BC Wildfire Service.
A BCWS update noted the fire received minimal precipitation Wednesday and Thursday morning and there was moderate fire activity on site. Smoke is highly visible from Highway 97 and the surrounding areas.
Highway 97 was open, as of 10 p.m. Thursday although drivers are encouraged to watch for speed reduction due to crews working. Check DriveBC for updates.
The update noted heavy equipment was working Thursday to gain access and establish indirect control lines on the east flank near Davis Lake working from Bullock Lake Road moving northwards to the Gustafsen guard. Crews will patrolling the transmission line.
An additional guard will be built in the southeast below Stormy Road.
On the north end, crews worked to connect existing road systems in the vicinity of Gustafsen and Neilson Lakes.
There are 15 helicopters available to continue to action the fires within this complex with bucketing activities.
Structural protection specialists continue to support the residences and properties on Bullock Lake Road.
kelly.sinoski@100milefreepress.net
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