Fire near Ashcroft on July 29 (CFJC)

By Connor Gunn

THURSDAY FIRE STARTS

BC residents advised of dry conditions, new fire starts heading into long weekend

Jul 29, 2022 | 4:29 PM

KAMLOOPS — Helicopters are busy bucketing water to douse fires South of Ashcroft today (July 29). The fire risk at the Kamloops Fire Centre is currently high and multiple fires were reportedly started Thursday (July 28) night.

“We responded pretty heavily pre-worked it overnight we also have air tankers, helicopters, and heavy equipment working there this morning,” says Fire Information Officer Mikhail Elsay.

Fires at Cornwall Creek, Minaberriet Creek and Tobiano are believed to be lightning started and are under investigation.

The wildfires range from two hectares in size to more than 16 hectares in size.

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“We did get a substantial amount of lightning strikes that hit the ground yesterday and this morning we’re still determining how many fires were started out of that we have a fixed-wing patrol going out this afternoon to determine if there’s any fires that are out there that we haven’t found yet,” Elsay adds.

The area is quite dry right now and more lightning is expected over the coming days along with some rain.

With the risk at high, Elsay says the BC Wildfire Service reminds people to be fire smart this weekend.

“The whole region is in a high-status high risk right now, so for people out there recreating in the backcountry we just want people to be super vigilant and be very careful with your campfires this weekend.”

Heading into the long weekend – campfires are allowed in the area but campers are advised of the dry conditions.

“We acknowledge that campfires are a part of camping so at this time you’re still allowed to have your fire we just want people to be very careful and make sure they have eight litres of water and a hand tool and that you’ve got a cleared space and please don’t abandon your fire,” adds Elsay.

BC residents and visitors are reminded to report any wildfires or visible smoke to the BC Wildfire Service.

View the interactive map for wildfires of note here.