http://bcwildfire.ca/hprScripts/WildfireNews/News.asp Ministry of Forests and Range: Wildfire Management Branch Copyright 2009, Province of British Columbia en-ca Tue, 30 Jul 2010 17:37:00 PST http://bcwildfire.ca/hprScripts/WildfireNews/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=1734
Limited action has been taken on this wildfire due to unsafe terrain for ground personnel and inoperable ground for heavy equipment. High temperatures and low relative humidities have contributed to an increase in fire behaviour this afternoon. Airtankers were brought in to lay retardant in an attempt to slow the spread of the fire and steer it towards some natural fireguards.

The lightning-caused fire was reported July 28, and has been monitored daily. Helicopters have been used to cool hot spots on the fire perimeter. Wildfire Management Branch personnel are monitoring the situation to ensure it does not pose a threat to people, communities or other identified values.

Resources from the Kamloops Fire Centre have responded to 15 lightning-caused fires since Wednesday. Due to drought-like conditions, lightning fires may be burning underground for weeks and become visible with daytime heating. The general public can be of assistance by reporting any suspected wildfires by calling *5555 on your cell phone or toll free 1-800-663-5555.

All open burning is currently prohibited within the Kamloops Fire Centre, including fireworks and burning barrels of any size or description. A campfire ban comes into effect Thursday at noon. This ban does not prohibit the use of portable campfire apparatus that are CSA or ULC approved, which the operator maintains with a flame no longer than 15 centimetres.

For the latest information on fire activity, bans and restrictions and current conditions, visit the Wildfire Management Branch website at www.bcwildfire.ca. For Facebook and Twitter updates, as well as details about evacuation orders and alerts, road conditions and air quality advisories, go to www.firesafebc.ca.
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]]> Tue, 30 Jul 2010 17:36:00 PST http://bcwildfire.ca/hprScripts/WildfireNews/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=1731 The Jade wildfire in the Yalakom Valley is now estimated at 1200 hectares in size. It remains 10 per cent contained and 125 firefighters, 19 pieces of heavy equipment and 10 helicopters continue fire suppression efforts. Today, crews are constructing a fuel free break along the Shulaps to LaMare Road. Helicopters and firefighters will also patrol and mop-up hot spots outside existing guards. The Squamish Lillooet Regional District has issued an evacuation alert for the Yalakom Valley. A public information line has been established at 1-866-417-4132 for area residents to call for updated information. Media is asked to call Leslie Lloyd at 604-894-6371 ext. 230 or 1-800-298-7753.

The Mayson Lake wildfire, 22 kilometres northwest of Barriere, is now 130 hectares in size. Resources on site include 40 firefighters, 11 structural protection unit personnel, seven helicopters and 14 pieces of heavy equipment. Efforts are focused on the east flank closest to structures and a machine guard is being established on the southwest flank. An evacuation alert is in place for Electoral Area "E" and an evacuation order remains in effect for Electoral Area "O" on the east side of Bonaparte Lake. For more information, please contact the Thompson Nicola Regional District at 1-866-377-7188.

The Joe Rich wildfire located 18 kilometres northwest of Big White is now 100 per cent guarded and 85 per cent contained. It remains estimated at 10 hectares in size. Five firefighters patrolled overnight and 15 firefighters will mop up hot spots today.

The Barnhartvale wildfire, estimated at 53 hectares in size, is now 85 per cent contained and 100 per cent guarded. The evacuation alert was rescinded at 17:00 yesterday.

For the latest information on fire activity, bans and restrictions and current conditions, visit the Wildfire Management Branch website at www.bcwildfire.ca. For Facebook and Twitter updates, as well as details about evacuation orders and alerts, road conditions and air quality advisories, go to www.firesafebc.ca.
]]> Tue, 30 Jul 2010 11:30:00 PST http://bcwildfire.ca/hprScripts/WildfireNews/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=1727
The most visible of these fires is on the Joe Rich Forest Service Road between Kelowna and Big White. The fire is estimated at 10 hectares in size and is showing a slow rate of spread this morning. . The fire was reported shortly after two a.m. and the suspected cause is lightning. Resources on site include one forest officer, one initial attack crew, one dozer and one water tender. An additional 10 firefighters are on route to support the fire suppression efforts.

The fire burning southeast of Bonaparte Lake is now called the Mason Lake wildfire. The fire is now estimated at 110 hectares in size; this change is due to more accurate mapping late last night. Airtankers, including the Martin Mars, focused on structure protection on the east side of the wildfire yesterday. This was done by laying fire retardant to slow the fire's growth and then following up with the Martin Mars to provide cooling action by raising the relative humidity near the fire's edge.

A specialized Wildfire Management Branch Incident Management Team is commanding this fire today with 30 personnel, 6 helicopters, 11 structure protection unit personnel, and a variety of heavy equipment. High temperatures, low relative humidities and winds are anticipated in the area and will pose a challenge for resources again today. Efforts will be focusing on protecting access and egress routes on the southeast portion of the wildfire near the Jamieson Creek Forest Service Road.

An evacuation order remains in place for a one mile radius around Bonaparte Lake. Residents with health and safety concerns resulting from the fire can call the Thompson Nicola Regional District Information Line at1-866-377-7188.

The B.C. Forest Service is still assisting Kamloops Fire and Rescue with the Barnhartvale Wildfire. The fire remains at 53 hectares in size and will be actively patrolled today with 26 firefighters. The wildfire is 100 per cent guarded and 85 per cent contained. Crews will continue to reinforce the fireguard by laying hose and cooling hot spots 100 feet inside the guard.

The Evacuation Alert remains in place for residence in the area and will be re-evaluated after today's efforts on the fireline. For more information, please contact the Emergency Operations Centre at 250-828-3441.

The Jade Mountain Wildfire in the Yalakom Valley is still estimated at 1000 hectares in size. Aggressive fire behaviour was responsible for a flare up on the southwest flank of the wildfire yesterday afternoon. Resources on site today include 125 firefighters, five structure protection unit personnel, 11 helicopters and 19 pieces of heavy equipment.

The BC Forest Service continues to liaise with the Bridge River Indian Band and Squamish Lillooet Regional District. The Squamish Lillooet Regional District has issued an evacuation alert for the Yalakom Valley. A public information line has been established at 1-866-417-4132 for area residents to call for updated information. Media is asked to call Leslie Lloyd at 604-894-6371 ext. 230 or 1-800-298-7753.

Warm and dry conditions coupled with gusting winds have led to active wildfire behaviour across the region. Since yesterday, crews from the Kamloops Fire Centre have responded to 13 new wildfires of which nine were caused by lightning. Many many more fire reports are expected throughout the day as the daytime heating increases fire behaviour. Fire crews and resources are available to address these fires on a priority basis.

As the risk of wildfire increases and the Fire Centre responds to an increase in lightning-caused fires, it is critical that resources are not unnecessarily deployed to preventable wildfires caused by people.

]]> Mon, 29 Jul 2010 10:22:00 PST http://bcwildfire.ca/hprScripts/WildfireNews/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=1724
Airtankers are dropping fire retardant to slow the fire's growth, focussing on the east flank of the fire, which is closest to homes. The fire has grown primarily to the north and south, away from homes. Fire suppression personnel are anticipating strong winds in the area this evening.

A specialized Incident Management Team is en route to the fire to direct suppression activities.

Residents with health and safety concerns resulting from the fire can call the Thompson Nicola Regional District at1-866-377-7188. Smoke from this fire is visible from Barriere and nearby communities, but the fire is not currently threatening the town.

Warm and dry conditions coupled with gusting winds have led to active wildfire behaviour across the region. The Kamloops Fire Centre has responded to seven new wildfires today. Four of today's fires have been caused by human activity.

As the risk of wildfire increases and the Fire Centre responds to an increase in lightning-caused fires, it is critical that resources are not unnecessarily deployed to preventable wildfires caused by people.

]]> Sun, 28 Jul 2010 18:01:00 PST http://bcwildfire.ca/hprScripts/WildfireNews/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=1722
Overnight, 20 firefighters monitored fire behaviour and maintained fireguards. The BC Forest Service has 122 firefighters, five structure protection unit personnel, eight helicopters and 12 pieces of heavy equipment on site today. A total of 144 personnel are working on this wildfire.

The BC Forest Service continues to liaise with the Bridge River Indian Band and Squamish Lillooet Regional District. The Squamish Lillooet Regional District has issued an evacuation alert for the Yalakom Valley. A public information line has been established at 1-866-417-4132 for area residents to call for updated information. Media is asked to call Leslie Lloyd at 604-894-6371 ext. 230 or 1-800-298-7753.

For the latest information on fire activity, bans and restrictions and current conditions, visit the Wildfire Management Branch website at www.bcwildfire.ca. For Facebook and Twitter updates, as well as details about evacuation orders and alerts, road conditions and air quality advisories, go to www.firesafebc.ca.
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]]> Sun, 28 Jul 2010 10:20:00 PST http://bcwildfire.ca/hprScripts/WildfireNews/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=1720
The fire, which is located in the Todd Road area of Barnhartvale, 8 kilometres east of Kamloops, is estimated at 50 hectares in size, and 80 per cent contained. The cause is under investigation.

Nine initial attack firefighters and two officers from the B.C. Forest Service worked overnight to build containment lines, assisting 26 members of Kamloops Fire Rescue. An additional 40 wildland fighters are on the fireline today.

Airtankers are dropping fire retardant to slow the fire's growth this morning, focusing on the west flank of the fire, which is closest to homes. Four helicopters and heavy equipment are working to cool hot spots within the fire perimeter and building containment lines.

A tactical evacuation took place last night for the Holman Road area. An evacuation alert remains in place for other residences in the area. Please contact the Emergency Operations Centre at 250-828-3441 for information.

All open burning is currently prohibited within the Kamloops Fire Centre, including fireworks and burning barrels of any size or description. A campfire ban comes into effect Thursday at noon. This ban does not prohibit the use of portable campfire apparatus that are CSA or ULC approved, which the operator maintains with a flame no longer than 15 centimetres.
]]> Sun, 28 Jul 2010 09:45:00 PST http://bcwildfire.ca/hprScripts/WildfireNews/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=1716
Overnight, 11 firefighters monitored fire behaviour and re-established fireguards. The BC Forest Service has 100 firefighters, five structure protection unit personnel, eight helicopters and 10 pieces of heavy equipment on site today. A total of 130 personnel are working on this wildfire and a fire camp has been established.

With lightning in the forecast for the next 24 to 48 hours, the Ministry of Forests and Range urges the public to be extra vigilant in the forest so resources can be allocated to naturally occurring wildfires.

The BC Forest Service continues to liaise with the Bridge River Indian Band and Squamish Lillooet Regional District. The Squamish Lillooet Regional District has issued an evacuation alert for the Yalakom Valley. A public information line has been established at 1-866-417-4132 for area residents to call for updated information. Media is asked to call Leslie Lloyd at 604-894-6371 ext. 230 or 1-800-298-7753.

For the latest information on fire activity, bans and restrictions and current conditions, visit the Wildfire Management Branch website at www.bcwildfire.ca. For Facebook and Twitter updates, as well as details about evacuation orders and alerts, road conditions and air quality advisories, go to www.firesafebc.ca.
]]> Sat, 27 Jul 2010 08:51:00 PST http://bcwildfire.ca/hprScripts/WildfireNews/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=1712 The fire danger rating is currently high to extreme across the Kamloops Fire Centre making the risk of a campfire sparking a wildfire a concern to forest officials. Resources from the Kamloops Fire Centre have responded to 55 campfire related incidents so far this season. This takes away valuable resources that are needed to respond to naturally occurring wildfires.

This ban applies to open fires of any size, including campfires, fires with a burn registration number and industrial burning, fireworks, tiki torches and burning barrels.

The ban does not apply to cooking stoves that use gas, propane or briquettes, or to portable campfire apparatus with a CSA or ULC rating using briquettes, liquid or gaseous fuel, as long as the flame is kept under 15 centimetres in length.

The ban covers all of the Kamloops Fire Centre's jurisdiction. Within this area, the ban covers all BC Parks, Crown and private lands, but does not apply within the boundaries of local governments that have forest fire prevention bylaws and are serviced by a fire department. Please check with civic authorities for any restrictions before lighting a fire.

Anyone found in violation of an open fire ban, including campfires, may be issued a ticket for $345. Should a wildfire occur as a result of recklessness, a person can be fined up to $1 million or spend three years in prison and be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.

The ban will be in place until September 30, 2010, or until the public is otherwise notified.

The Kamloops Fire Centre covers an area from the northern border of Wells Gray Park, north of Blue River to the US border in the south, and from the Bridge River Glacier west of Goldbridge to the Monashee Mountains east of Lumby.

To report a wildfire or unattended campfire please call *5555 on your cell or toll-free 1 800 663-5555.

For the latest information on fire activity, conditions and prohibitions, visit the Wildfire Management Branch website at www.bcwildfire.ca.

For Facebook and Twitter updates, as well as details about evacuation orders and alerts, road conditions and air quality advisories, go to www.firesafebc.ca

]]> Fri, 26 Jul 2010 11:53:00 PST http://bcwildfire.ca/hprScripts/WildfireNews/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=1710
Crews, helicopters and heavy equipment will work to reinforce the guard so the Jade Wildfire does not move into the Shulap and LaRochelle water drainages. An infrared scanner has also been utilized to map hotspots to assist ground crews in locating and extinguishing all fire outside of the guards.

Overnight, a seventeen-person sustained action crew monitored the controlled burn and re-established fireguards. The BC Forest Service has 100 firefighters, five structure protection unit personnel, eight helicopters and 10 pieces of heavy equipment on site today. A total of 129 personnel are working on this wildfire and more resources continue to be added.

The low relative humidity and high temperatures today will continue to challenge fire control efforts. The wildfire is now estimated at 670 hectares.

The BC Forest Service is continuing to liaise with the Bridge River Indian Band and Squamish Lillooet Regional District. The Squamish Lillooet Regional District has issued an evacuation alert for the Yalakom Valley. A public information line has been established at 1-866-417-4132 for area residents to call for updated information. Media is asked to call Leslie Lloyd at 604-894-6371 ext. 230 or 1-800-298-7753.

For the latest information on fire activity, bans and restrictions and current conditions, visit the Wildfire Management Branch website at www.bcwildfire.ca. For Facebook and Twitter updates, as well as details about evacuation orders and alerts, road conditions and air quality advisories, go to www.firesafebc.ca.
]]> Fri, 26 Jul 2010 10:51:00 PST http://bcwildfire.ca/hprScripts/WildfireNews/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=1709
Today, the BC Forest Service is continuing to reinforce and build additional machine guard along the north flank of the fire. Helicopters will focus on bucketing spot fires outside of the fireguard and firefighters will establish hoselays and work on extinguishing spot fires adjacent to the guard.

Overnight, a twenty-person sustained action crew monitored fire behaviour and burned off small accumulations of fuel along the northeast boundary in order bolster the existing fireguard. The BC Forest Service will have 100 firefighters, 14 structure protection unit personnel, eight helicopters and 10 pieces of heavy equipment on site today. More resources will continue to be added to the fire as needed.

Crews are prepared for extreme fire behaviour as high temperatures and low humidity are in the forecast for this afternoon.

The type one investigation team has concluded that the cause of the Jade Wildfire was a lightning strike on July 21, 2010. The Kamloops Fire Centre urges the public to be extra vigilant with recreational activities so resources can be allocated to naturally-caused wildfires rather than human-caused wildfires.

The Squamish Lillooet Regional District has issued an evacuation alert for the Yalakom Valley. A public information line has been established at 1-866-417-4132 for area residents to call for updated information. Media is asked to call Leslie Lloyd at 604-894-6371 ext. 230 or 1-800-298-7753.

For the latest information on fire activity, bans and restrictions and current conditions, visit the Wildfire Management Branch website at www.bcwildfire.ca. For Facebook and Twitter updates, as well as details about evacuation orders and alerts, road conditions and air quality advisories, go to www.firesafebc.ca.
]]> Thu, 25 Jul 2010 08:56:00 PST http://bcwildfire.ca/hprScripts/WildfireNews/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=1708
Wildfire activity was moderate yesterday and mostly on the ground; therefore, the size is still estimated at 600 hectares. Today will bring higher temperatures and a lower relative humidity Today, the BC Forest Service is continuing to construct machine guard on the northeast flank and will complete a contingency line on the southwest side. A retardant pit has been completed that the helicopters will use now use for bucketing retardant on hotspots and line construction in areas that are inaccessible to ground crews and equipment. A Rappel Crew has been brought in to work on small, inaccessible hot spots outside of the existing guardlines.

Overnight, a ten-person sustained action crew monitored fire behaviour. The BC Forest Service will have 80 firefighters, 14 structure protection unit personnel, seven helicopters and five pieces of heavy equipment on site today. More resources will continue to be added to the fire as needed.

The Squamish Lillooet Regional District has issued an evacuation alert for the Yalakom Valley. A public information line has been established at 1-866-417-4132 for area residents to call for updated information. Media is asked to call Leslie Lloyd at 604-894-6371 ext. 230 or 1-800-298-7753.

Fire activity is anticipated to increase today due to high temperatures and variable winds. The Kamloops Fire Centre urges the public to be extra vigilant with recreational activities so resources can be allocated to naturally-caused wildfires rather than human-caused wildfires.

For the latest information on fire activity, bans and restrictions and current conditions, visit the Wildfire Management Branch website at www.bcwildfire.ca. For Facebook and Twitter updates, as well as details about evacuation orders and alerts, road conditions and air quality advisories, go to www.firesafebc.ca.
]]> Wed, 24 Jul 2010 10:28:00 PST http://bcwildfire.ca/hprScripts/WildfireNews/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=1707
The Jade Wildfire is estimated at 600 hectares and is located 30 kilometres northwest of Lillooet. The BC Forest Service held an information meeting with the Yalakom Valley residents last night and will continue to liaise with this community and the Squamish Lillooet Regional District at another meeting this evening.

A twenty-person sustained action crew worked overnight. The BC Forest Service will have 80 firefighters, six helicopters and five pieces of heavy equipment on site today. With the increase of resources, a fire camp will be established early next week.

The Squamish Lillooet Regional District has issued an evacuation alert for the Yalakom Valley. A public information line has been established at 1-866-417-4132 for area residents to call for updated information. Media is asked to call Leslie Lloyd at 604-894-6371 ext. 230 or 1-800-298-7753.

Fire activity is anticipated to increase today due to high temperatures and variable winds. The Kamloops Fire Centre urges the public to be extra vigilant with recreational activities so resources can be allocated to naturally-caused wildfires rather than human-caused wildfires.
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