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Detour takes public through Chilcotin fire zone to Redstone Rodeo

Despite the massive Bull Canyon fire nearby, the 16th annual Redstone Rodeo is going ahead this weekend.

Despite the massive Bull Canyon fire nearby, the 16th annual Redstone Rodeo is going ahead this weekend.

“Some of the media outlets like Global were reporting that Highway 20 is closed but there is a detour and people can get through,” said Michelle Luggi, rodeo committee member. “Road maintenance are working hard on the detour grading it and adding water and calcium chloride to cut down on dust.”

There is a full slate of events scheduled for the rodeo which starts today with a gymkhana and the regular rodeo taking place Saturday and Sunday.

“It’s our sweet 16 rodeo and everything is still a go and we want to encourage people to come out.”

The big attraction is the world famous mountain race, which has attracted major media moguls like ESPN in past years and will run both days.

“The mountain race will take place on both Saturday and Sunday and there’s $2,000-plus added money up for grabs each day,” said Luggi.

There will also be a bingo being held on Friday night and Saturday after the Rodeo and a dance Saturday evening.

Alexis Creek Indian Band also plan to introduce their new energy drink called Crazy Horse. Nicole Setah and Talia Baptiste helped create the drink with Saskatoon berries as the main ingredient. The drinks are made in Portland, Oregon and were in Williams Lake today and will be shipped out to the rodeo grounds.

There was good news regarding the 880 hectare blaze which ignited Monday, 14 kilometers west of Bull Canyon near Alexis Creek.

“The fire is now 100 per cent guarded and the majority of the fire guards are holding so far,” said Cariboo Fire Centre information officer Sandra Wagner.

“The objectives for the firefighters today (Thursday) is to reinforce the guards.”

As of Thursday resources fighting the blaze included five helicopters, 50 fire fighters, and heavy equipment.

The evacuation alert from the Cariboo Regional District earlier in the week is still in effect.

Highway 20 as of Thursday afternoon was listed on www.drivebc.com as still closed but motorists are able to get through via the Chilko Lake and Bayliff Road 12.8 kilometre detour.

Another fire is being reported out in the Chilcotin near Jorgensen Creek. For information or the latest updates visits www.bcwildfire.ca.