This aerial photo taken July 20, 2015 shows the Bolean Lake wildfire which is located roughly five kilometres from the town of Falkland.
Image Credit: B.C. Wildfire Management Branch
July 24, 2015 - 10:25 AM
FALKLAND - Fire crews have made significant headway on the Bolean Lake wildfire near Falkland.
As of Friday morning, the 348 hectare fire was 50 per cent contained, according to B.C. Wildfire.
The suspected lightning-caused fire was first reported Monday, July 20 and fire crews have worked hard all week to establish some level of containment. Before Friday, the fire had consistently been zero per cent contained.
As well, the Evacuation Order for the Bolean Lake Lodge area has been downgraded to an Evacuation Alert, which means people can return home but must be prepared to evacuate again on short notice if necessary.
Despite the progress, the Bolean Lake Lodge remains on evacuation order, and 24 properties near Chase-Falkland Road are still on alert. The fire is still actively burning timber, however fire activity has been moderate, resulting in minimal growth, Wildfire Management says.
A community meeting is set for tonight at 7 p.m. at the Falkland Community Hall to update people on the fire.
A number of B.C. Wildfire resources remain on site, including 74 firefighters, five helicopters, air tankers and amphibious skimmer aircraft, along with four pieces of heavy equipment.
To contact the reporter for this story, email Charlotte Helston at chelston@infonews.ca or call 250-309-5230. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.
— This story was updated at 10:23 a.m., Friday, July 24, 2015 to indicate the Evacuation Order is now an Evacuation Alert.
News from © iNFOnews, 2015