New start near Cache Creek draws B.C. Wildfire Service action; wet spring slows spread
KAMLOOPS — Wildfire activity has been relatively quiet in the Kamloops area over the past few weeks — and the B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS) says we have the wet spring to thank.
The East Meadows Plateau fire just north of Kamloops that popped up last Wednesday (Aug. 17) is being held at 10 hectares. Fire Information Officer Ayden Coray says 17 personnel were working to snuff the flames Monday (Aug. 22), along with two water tenders and air support. Coray says the teams were working to get a machine guard tied in to ensure there is no further spread.
The newest fire in the region drawing the attention of BCWS is the Robertson Creek fire, located about 22 kilometres northwest of Cache Creek and five kilometres south of the much larger Maria Creek Forest Service Road fire. Coray says the Robertson Creek fire is out of control at two hectares and multiple helicopters are drenching the blaze from above.
Both fires are suspected to have been caused by lightning. Though there have been plenty of lightning-caused fires in the region this summer, Coray acknowledges they have been spreading much more slowly than last year’s fires.
