Image Credit: CFJC Today / Kent Simmonds

By Michael Reeve

WILDFIRE SEASON 2023

Ross Moore Lake wildfire grows to 2,600 hectares, no expected changes to evacuations

Jul 24, 2023 | 4:27 PM

KAMLOOPS — It was a case of no news is good news from the Thompson Nicola Regional District Monday afternoon (July 24) as the district provided a brief update into the Ross Moore Lake wildfire burning south of Kamloops.

“We are not looking at a necessarily a sudden shift in weather that would really change conditions at the fire scene,” said Colton Davies, TNRD EOC Communications Officer. “But, a bit more favourable. No status change, fortunately at this moment. We are not looking at any changes or increases to the order or alert areas we put in place on Sunday night.”

The fire, which was first spotted on Friday (July 21), has grown significantly.

“Those crews did report some Rank 1 and Rank 2 fire behavior. So, that would be considered more smoldering ground fire or lower vigor surface fire,” said BC Wildfire Service Information Officer Melanie Bibeau.

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A number of new crews were joining the fight on Monday, including a structural protection team deployed within the TNRD evacuation order zone.

“Some initial attack personnel on scene today and we also have a heavy equipment task force that is also working on this wildfire. And today, we will have a unit crew coming in to support with ground personnel as well,” added Bibeau.

Unit crews are generally made up of around 20 firefighters. Aerial resources are also actioning the fire.

Cooler temperatures and higher relative humidity on Monday have helped firefighters on the ground tackle the blaze.

“Slightly higher humidity, slightly lower day-time highs. The wind is still not looking promising, is what we are expecting for this afternoon, similar to what we have seen in recent days which has been a big factor in driving fire behavior,” stated Davies.

The objective for B.C. Wildfire crews on scene Monday was to establish a fire guard.

“It looks like from Sunday night to Monday afternoon there has been a slight increase in the size from 1,800 hectares. I think a full update will be coming from the wildfire service. I don’t think we are looking at egregious increase compared to what we have seen at points of the weekend,” said Davies.

The BC Wildfire Service provided an update after 3:00 p.m. Monday, stating the fire has grown to 2,600 hectares or 26 square kilometres. No further details into the efforts to fight the blaze were provided in the afternoon update.