Mabel Creek fire growing

Photo: BCWS

File photo from BCWS

The BC Wildfire Service is keeping a close eye on the skies as severe weather is in the forecast for the Okanagan.

"There is a thunderstorm warning for mid-day with expectant high winds, heavy rain, and possible hail," the BCWS stated "In the front of the predicted weather, there is the expectation of erratic fire behaviour prior to the precipitation." 

The latest update on several "fires of note" in the Monashee Complex in the North Okanagan shows significant growth, in particular, on the Mabel Creek and Harris Creek fires.  

"Currently, a line of lightning is occurring on the east side of Mabel Lake," the BCWS stated.

Mabel Creek fire, 6.5 kilometres east of Mabel Lake, has now been mapped at 1,861 hectares. 

The BC Wildfire Service stated on its website that the Mabel Creek fire has joined with several smaller fires to the north, southeast of Mabel Mountain. 

"Yesterday, there was very active fire behaviour on this wildfire and it continued to grow to the west past Mabel Creek." 

Crews are working to establish guards on the west flank to limit growth toward Mabel Lake, however, the terrain is creating challenges for where crews can build machine guard. Crews are also establishing hose lay for wet lining along the south flank and are working to build helipads where needed. 

Nine firefighters are working on the blaze, along with eight helicopters and eight pieces of heavy equipment.

The Harris Creek FSR fire, 16 km southeast of Lumby, has now been mapped at 506 hectares.

"Yesterday, the fire behaviour on this fire was active, and on the western flank helicopters and air tankers supported the ground crews to minimize the spread towards McAuley Creek Road," the BCWS says.

Crews have completed the wide containment line around the Harris Creek wildfire. 

"Establishing this containment line will provide an option to burn to the guard if deemed necessary and also limits the spread of fire including west into a slide area and south into the Greystokes Protected Area."

Weather is also expected to create erratic fire behaviour st the Harris Creek fire.

Today, crews are working on mopping up the northwest and southwest flanks. 

Today, 24 firefighters are working on the fire, along with eight helicopters and eight pieces of heavy equipment.

Tolko Industries Ltd. personnel and equipment are also assisting BCWS crews. 

Sugar Mountain wildfire, four km east of Sugar Lake, has now been mapped at 332 hectares.  

Sugar Mountain is one many "fire starts" in the drainages of Mabel and Sugar lakes from Hwy 6 in the south to Three Valley Gap in the north. 

Yesterday, smoke from the Sugar Mountain fire was highly visible as the fire consumed pockets of fuel. 

"Crews have made progress with the machine guard and this guard is almost complete," the BCWS says. "With the help of air tanker action in the area, crews are now able to work in the northwest corner to establish machine guard. They are also working to complete the guard on the east flank." 

This fire is located in an area where there are heavy fuels and closed canopies that can be challenging if there are flare ups. Steep terrain is also an issue. 

There are eight helicopters working the fire, and 11 pieces of heavy equipment. 

The 25.2-hectare Proctor Road fire, 16 km northeast of Lumby, is still listed as "being held." 

"The crews have made excellent progress in the suppression of this wildfire and will continue to work to increase containmentm," the BCWS says. "They have a machine guard on the north end of the perimeter on flat ground, and they also have a fuel-free around the entire perimeter of the Proctor Road wildfire." 

Thirteen firefighters are working on the Proctor Road fire.