File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By James Peters

Wildfire Picture

Wednesday rain was welcome, but much more needed to snuff B.C. wildfires

Jul 8, 2021 | 12:05 PM

KAMLOOPS — A wildfire that popped up south of Kamloops Wednesday (July 7) is still out of control, but the tension is caused Wednesday evening has eased.

The Thompson-Nicola Regional District evacuated nearly 100 properties around the Napier Lake wildfire off Highway 5A late Wednesday afternoon, but downgraded that order to an alert a few hours later.

Fire Information Officer Ayden Coray says B.C. Wildfire personnel are continuing their attack on that fire Thursday.

“As of this morning, it is estimated to be around 56 hectares in size,” Coray told CFJC Today. “It is still classified as out of control and the cause is under investigation. B.C. Wildfire is responding with 11 personnel today and there will be air support available as necessary.”

Coray notes rain that was received as part of yesterday’s storm system was helpful – but forest fuels are still extremely dry throughout the region.

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“At this point, honestly any precipitation definitely is something we look forward to,” she said. “To date this year, we have still received lesser amounts of average precipitation, which means our deeper fuels are still going to be dry throughout the summer.”

“Over the last few days, we’ve seen decreased growth in all of our wildfires of note. They are still considered out of control at their various sizes but the growth rate as definitely decreased.”

The Durand Lake fire southwest of Kamloops measures 277 hectares and 53 personnel are working to bring that fire under control.

The Sparks Lake fire to the northwest remains just shy of 40,000 hectares, but it received three millimetres of rain yesterday, calming fire behaviour.

The wildfire service says the most active portion of that fire remains in the Deadman-Vidette area.