Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Adam Donnelly

WILDFIRE SEASON 2024

Dunn Creek wildfire remains out of control, almost 2,300 hectares as of Friday afternoon

Aug 2, 2024 | 6:15 PM

LITTLE FORT, BC — Early Friday afternoon (Aug. 2), there was only a wisp of smoke visible from Little Fort. However, the Dunn Creek Fire continues to burn out of control just a few kilometres from the small North Thompson community.

“Right now, we have crews working on both the north and the south flanks,” Wildfire Information Officer Taylor Shantz, with the Kamloops Fire Centre explains. “Just establishing those control lines and continuing to make good progress on the fire.”

The BC Wildfire Service has more than two dozen personnel fighting the fire. There are also structure protection units assigned to help protect the properties in the area under evacuation orders and alerts.

“Right now we have 25 personnel who are actively working on the fire,” Shantz says. “We have structure protection crews in the area, and the crews working in tandem with heavy equipment to establish those control lines and make sure they’re quite solidified heading into the weekend.”

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There are also local firefighting crews battling the fire. Simpcw First Nation has a pair of Initial Attack crews that have been working alongside BC Wildfire. That local knowledge has proved invaluable in fighting these fires.

CFJC Today contacted Chu Chua Fire Chief Ron Lampreau for an interview. However, Lampreau was called out as fire activity picked up later in the day.

“Any times we can those numbers out on a fire, we’re going to see positive outcomes,” Shantz explains. “It just helps lighten the load, right? Many hands make light work, and I think our crews are appreciative of that local knowledge.”

This weekend can be busy for campers and back-country recreation. The BC Wildfire Service wants to remind anyone heading out to enjoy BC’s natural spaces to give fire crews enough space to work, and to report any new fire activity they might see.

“We cannot, cannot stress enough how important it is to use the [BC Wildfire] app and call in any new starts you see,” Shantz says. “We just ask people to make good decisions and practice responsible backcountry activities.”