Cooler weather aids crews fighting Nk’Mip Creek wildfire in South Okanagan | iNFOnews | Thompson-Okanagan's News Source
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Cooler weather aids crews fighting Nk’Mip Creek wildfire in South Okanagan

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Cooler weather and higher humidity is allowing members of the B.C. Wildfire Service to fight the Nk’Mip Creek wildfire on the frontlines between Oliver and Osoyoos.

“On hotter, dryer days the firefighters would have to be pulled away from the perimeter,” wildfire service fire information officer Roslyn Johnson said.

The 20,066 hectare fire has not reported an increase in size in over a week. Fire guards in place around Mount Bald and the northeast corner of the fire, set up to contain the fire while offering access to the perimeter. Similar tactics and mop-up efforts are taking place along other sections of the fire while favourable weather allows.

The structural protection equipment needed to keep the community of Mount Baldy safe is no longer needed and was removed from the area yesterday, Aug. 26.

Johnson, whose unit just took over command of the Okanagan complex yesterday, said their objectives are very similar to plans that were in place last couple of days. One particular “finger” of the fire has required extra attention as it tries moving eastward.

Fire guards have been built around the excursion towards Mount Baldy as well as around the northeast corner of the fire. These guards are directly adjacent to the active fire perimeter and help contain the fire while also allowing access for fire crews to work directly on the fire perimeter. This tactic of direct attack by crews is also occurring on other areas of the fire wile the cool weather allows.

READ MORE: Nk'Mip wildfire burning towards Baldy Mountain Resort

Johnson was at base camp in Oliver yesterday when crews felt some precipitation.

“We’re not sure if there was precipitation on the actual fire but it’s a relief... Feels great to get that, even if it’s just a short rainfall.”

Committed to Nk’Mip today were 98 B.C. Wildfire Service personnel, an Incident Management Team, two Helicopters and 38 pieces of heavy equipment.

Although cooler weather is helping in their efforts at Nk’Mip and the perimeter hasn't been increasing, Johnson would not provide a time frame for when she expects that wildfire to be downgraded from out of control to held.

As a sign of summer coming to an end, the campfire ban has been lifted up north in the Robson Valley and Prince George Fire Centre thanks to precipitation and cooler temperatures.

However, “the public is strongly encouraged to continue exercising extreme caution with any campfire use,” B.C. Wildfire Service said in a Facebook post. “It is the responsibility of the individual to ensure that burning is done in a safe and responsible manner and in accordance with regulations.”

READ MORE: Nk’Mip Creek wildfire drawing lion's share of resources in Okanagan complex


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