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Vernon  

Fires burn together

Crews continue to battle numerous fires in the region, with some fires burning into each other.

In an online report, BC Wildfire Service Incident Commander Jane Park said Thursday’s objectives included continuing to establish containment on all three priority fires – Harris Creek, Mabel Creek and Sugar Mountain - by building guard, laying hose and establishing a wet line.

If conditions permit, crews will perform a hand-ignition operation on the Harris Creek fire to reduce unburned fuels and effectively strengthen containment lines.

The Monashee Complex started at 27 fires and now covers 15 fires in the drainages of Mabel and Sugar lakes from south of Highway 6 in Lumby and Cherryville to Three Valley Gap.

The change in number is due to Mabel Creek burning into several smaller fires, some fires are now out or under control while others have been transferred to the Vernon Zone.

The Whip Creek and Smyth Creek fires burned into one another Wednesday and is estimated 173 hectares.

Park said from this point forward, these fires will be managed together as the Whip Creek fire which is being resourced and actioned though it is not considered a Fire of Note and is not threatening any structures at this time.

“Priority fires are assessed and evaluated based on their potential threat first to lives and safety, second to property and third to values like critical infrastructure and industry interests,” said Park.

“We are beginning to see an increase in fire behaviour and are responding and strategizing accordingly. A small holdover fire from Saturday’s storm exhibited increased fire behaviour yesterday. We responded with air support and continue to monitor and assess the situation today. We are anticipating additional holdover lightning fires.”

Ongoing challenges for fire crews include trees that are in danger of falling, possible new fire starts emerging from holdover lightning strikes, the potential for higher fire behaviour this week and the potential for fire growth.

“The smoky conditions have been challenging our operations but steadily increasing visibility continues to allow for increased fire suppression activities as well as the opportunity to fly rotary aircraft. As smoky skies begin to clear, we are anticipating detection of new starts and holdover lightning fires,” she said.

 



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