59 Creek & Bowers Lake Wildfires remain out of control

BC Wildfire Service personnel continue to action 33 wildfires burning the Cariboo Fire Centre.

Fire Information Officer Madison Dahl said the 59 Creek fire west of 70 Mile House and Southwest of 100 Mile House is 10,277 hectares in size and listed as out of control and there evacuation orders and alerts in response to that wildfire.

Dahl noted yesterday (Sunday) fire behavior was decreased as heavy equipment and crews worked through the night establishing a guard on the northeast side tying into existing and natural features where possible and structure protection crews remain on site assessing and improving structure protection equipment.

“Heavy equipment will continue to focus on improving and extending control lines in all accessible areas prioritizing the northeast and southern flanks. Crews continue to work utilizing direct tactics where possible on the eastern flank working north to south,” Dahl said.

The Bowers Lake wildfire northeast of Bridge Lake and east of Clearwater is also out of control and is 150 hectares in size and there are Evacuation Orders in response to that fire.

Dahl said last night (Sunday) the fire displayed low fire behavior and heavy equipment has completed a guard on the west side of the fire and is focusing on extending that guard on the south and northern flanks.

“Ground crews have secured water sources and are extending hose lay around the perimeter of the fire.

They continue to work direct and indirect where possible using small scale hand ignitions to remove fuel from between the leading edge of the fire securing the guard and preventing further growth.”

She added danger trees are being assessed and felled to facilitate a safe working condition for ground crews and helicopters continue to drop water slowing the spread of the fire and assisting in operational objectives when necessary.

“Additional aviation resources are available as needed,” Dahl said.