Evacuation alerts lifted near Lillooet-area Riley Creek wildfire

The lightning-caused wildfire was first reported on June 24, declared as ‘being held’ at 72 hectares on July 15, but conditions changed and it broke through containment lines, prompting a slew of evacuation alerts and orders.

The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) said the 4,206-hectare fire is considered out of control, but recent lower temperatures, rain and higher relative humidity have moderated fire behaviour.

Fire crews are also dealing with challenges presented by steep terrain.

“Rainfall in the area recently has caused additional safety hazards with unstable ground, which is likely to contribute to rolling debris. Firefighting personnel will continue to respond in areas that are safe for fire suppression activities to happen given the erosion and terrain challenges with the rainfall,” said the BCWS.

“Rolling debris and rocks have been a key safety concern for crews.”

The BCWS said crews have reported minimal fire activity on the northern and eastern flanks, with the most activity seen in the southern part of the fire.

“Heavy equipment is continuing to strengthen the Della Forest Service Road to create a fuel free line to the south of the fire perimeter as conditions allow. This area remains inaccessible for crews to conduct fire suppression activities. Helicopters are bucketing as operations can happen safely in site and weather conditions,” said the BCWS.

“The fire is continuing to slowly burn into steep and rocky terrain in Texas Creek drainage in isolated patches at high elevation.”

The forecast for the Lillooet area calls for highs of 27 degrees with mainly sunny skies early in the week, with cloudy, rainy weather predicted for Wednesday to Friday.

by Elora McCormack

Evacuation alerts lifted near Lillooet-area Riley Creek wildfire

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