The Watching Creek wildfire around 16 kms northwest of Kamloops.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ BC Wildfire Service
August 03, 2022 - 10:34 AM
Cooler weather, higher relative humidity and cloud cover forecast for the Kamloops area today will help to reduce fire behaviour on the Watching Creek wildfire burning around 16 kilometres northwest of the city.
The out of control wildfire is estimated to be 195 hectares in size.
There are currently 20 firefighters, six helicopters and 10 heavy equipment operators battling the blaze today, Aug, 3, according to the B.C. Wildfire Service.
One unit crew is establishing a water delivery system in the northeast corner of the fire, with more unit crews on their way after being pulled from the fight on Aug. 1 for safety reasons.
Heavy equipment operators are busy building guards on the north end of the fire where needed and where possible in challenging terrain.
Helicopters and skimmers were dropping water on the fire yesterday while air tankers dropped fire retardant, and aerial resources are expected to continue the effort today.
Ground crews are grappling with steep terrain as they try to establish control lines where possible to create a safe space to carry out suppression activities, the wildfire service said.
An incident management team assumes command of the wildfire today, Aug. 3.
The fire was caused by lightning and was first spotted on July 29.
An evacuation alert remains in place. Go here for more information.
Thompson Nicola Regional District's evacuation alert map for the Watching Creek wildfire posted Aug.1 at 7 p.m.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ TNRD
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