Ground crews able to respond to wildfire burning in steep terrain east of Dunn Peak Park

BARRIERE, B.C. — The BC Wildfire Service has finally been able to get ground crews on a notable wildfire in the North Thompson region.

The Saskum Lake wildfire east of Dunn Peak Park is measured at around 364 hectares in size. In an update Sunday (Aug. 9), the wildfire service says visibility improved around the fire to allow a helicopter to fly around the perimeter and gain a more accurate track and size.

“Until recently, this fire has been burning in steep and inaccessible terrain for ground crews. Helicopters have been used to bucket water and cool the fire, however, conditions locally have been very smoky which has limited aerial response options and the ability to get accurate sizing,” the wildfire service states.

There are 23 firefighting personnel responding to the Saskum Lake wildfire. Of them, 17 are from the wildfire service, four are Simpcw crew members and two are tree fallers. They’re accompanied by one helicopter, an excavator, one bulldozer, one feller buncher and one water tender.

No evacuation alerts or orders have been issued due to the wildfire. However, the Saskum Lake recreation site is closed.

The Saskum Lake wildfire is suspected to be caused by lightning.