Photo: BCWS

BC Wildfire Service reports a planned ignition at the Octopus Creek wildfire burning near Fauquier was successful.

“Overnight Wednesday into Thursday, crews were on the fire line until 3 a.m., taking advantage of safe, low-intensity burning conditions. The planned ignition was successful and crews will continue to clean up the line,” says BCWS.

The blaze remains 16,930 hectares in size.

The BCWS adds smoke coverage is expected to increase over the upcoming days as winds are forecasted to be less than 12 km/h, predominantly from the north.

Today, crews continued to anchor where possible with heavy equipment and personnel.

They will focus on establishing and reinforcing containment lines in priority areas, largely near communities and structures.

There are currently 48 firefighters, four helicopters and nine pieces of heavy equipment assigned to the wildfire.