Firefighters struggle to control Dew Drop Trail fire west of Kamloops

Jun 27, 2017 | 5:15 PM

KAMLOOPS — The BC Wildfire Service is trying to regain control of a fire in Lac Du Bois Provincial Park. 

The fire was first discovered as a small wildfire on June 16 and was taken over as a controlled burn. However, Monday’s strong winds spread the fire, which is now estimated to be burning across 260 hectares. 

Airtankers and more than 60 firefighters continue to attack the blaze today (June 27), hoping to gain the upper hand.

WATCH: Full report by Jill Sperling

Led into the smoke filled air by a bird dog, four skimmers spent the day circling the fire located 12 kilometres west of Kamloops, releasing hundreds of gallons of water over the flames.

The fire is located in an area known as the Dewdrop and is currently burning out of control. 

“On June 16 there was a wildfire that had started in that area,” said fire information officer Justine Hunse. “The BC Wildfire Service in cooperation with BC Parks decided to use the opportunity to perform a controlled burn in the area.”

According to Hunse the controlled burn had a 25 hectare boundary. On Monday the fire quickly overtook its intended confines. 

“We had a major wind event in the Kamloops area, and just combined with those hot and dry temperatures that we’ve been seeing lately, those definitely were factors at play here in Kamloops.” 

At its current size, the Dewdrop Trail fire is the most significant this year in the Kamloops Fire Centre. It’s a reminder of how quickly flames can spread under the right weather conditions.

“Over the last few days the fire danger rating in the Kamloops Fire Centre has definitely jumped up,” Hunse said. “We’re seeing a lot more area that have that high to extreme danger rating.”

The initial cause of the fire is under investigation, but it is suspected to be human caused, and Hunse is encouraging people to be extremely cautious while enjoying a campfire.

“Please just remember to have enough water, tools, and extra hands on site to put that fire out in case it were to escape.” 

No structures are threatened at this time.