The Thomas Creek wildfire, Aug. 6, 2021.
Image Credit: B.C. Wildfire Service
August 07, 2021 - 11:52 AM
B.C. Wildfire Service firefighters took advantage of favourable winds yesterday and were able to burn away 300 hectares worth of fuel along the Thomas Creek wildfire.
The planned ignition was conducted along the northeast flank of the fire, which is currently burning roughly three kilometres northeast of Okanagan Falls.
“This tactic was used to reinforce the guard line by removing fuel between the head of the fire and the guard, which reduces the risk of fire growth and creates safer working conditions for crews,” according to the wildfire service.
“Temperatures across the Okanagan Complex are cooler today, and relative humidity is higher. Some areas of the Okanagan received precipitation last night and this morning, although amounts are varied across the complex,” according to the service’s latest update.
“Winds will return to moderate southwesterly flows through the weekend, and temperatures will begin to increase.”
The fire is still active on the northwest flank in the Derenzy Lake area, and on the northeast flank by Allendale Lake. Bucketing helicopters are supporting ground crews as they reinforce guard lines along the north flank, according to the service.
The fire is 10,759 hectares in size.
There are 53 firefighters, 39 Canadian Armed Forces personnel, 35 support staff,-23 pieces of heavy equipment and three helicopters on site today.
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