The Puntzi Lake wildfire is now 67 per cent contained.
“We’ve had cooler temperatures although it is windy so we are anticipating increased aggressive fire behaviour today,” said Cariboo Fire Centre information officer Emily Epp Monday from the Puntzi Air Tanker Base.
Crews have managed to contain the fire along the southeast and north sides of the fire and continue working on the west flank, she said, noting there is a bit of smoke, but it’s not too bad.
The wildfire is still estimated to be 8,142 hectares and an evacuation order and evacuation alert remain in effect for the area.
As of Monday morning the Bald Mountain fire 10 kilometres south of Riske Creek was entirely contained.
Crews have established a guard and laid hose around 100 per cent of the fire.
The focus for the crews on Monday was to mop up the fire and patrol for any hot spots or smokes, Epp said.
A new Australian instant command group was arriving Tuesday to take over controlling the fire at Puntzi Lake, said Cariboo Regional District Chair Al Richmond.
“They will assist and make recommendations,” Richmond said of the Australian crew.
On Monday the CRD had expected to change the evacuation alert and evacuation order, but decided against it because of the winds at the fire causing some aggressive behaviour.
“It didn’t seem to be a wise move,” Richmond said.
“We want to get people back home as soon as possible, but safety is our number one concern.”