May 07, 2013 - 10:21 AM
For immediate release
May 7, 2013
09:00 hrs
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
Kamloops Fire Centre
Increased activity on Spatsum Creek wildfire
KAMLOOPS – Above seasonal weather conditions have increased fire behaviour on the Spatsum Creek wildfire 10 kilometres south of Ashcroft. It is now estimated at 240 hectares in size.
Yesterday the fire spread two kilometres during the afternoon heat. Sustained-action crews, helicopters and airtankers worked hard into the evening.
Today, approximately 60 fire fighters, three helicopters and airtankers will action the fire. Objectives include building control lines around the perimeter tying into natural rock features. Retardant lines will be used in conjunction with hand-guards in difficult areas. Smoke from the fire was, and will continue to be, visible throughout the B.C. Interior.
The Spatsum Creek wildfire started on April 27. Last week crews created hand-guards where it was safe to do so; however, this wildfire is burning in some challenging steep and rocky terrain. With high temperatures and low relative humidity, the fire passed a threshold late Sunday afternoon and additional personnel responded.
This person-caused fire serves as a reminder for the public to be vigilant during this wave of heat as the fire danger rating climbs from moderate to high. Please report all wildfires at *5555 on your cellular phone or toll-free at 1-800-663-5555 to report a wildfire.
For the latest information on fire activity, conditions and prohibitions, visit the Wildfire Management Branch website: www.bcwildfire.ca
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News from © iNFOnews, 2013