Xusum Creek fire now ‘about 35 per cent contained’

May 29, 2018 | 12:01 PM

LILLOOET — Cooler temperatures are assisting firefighting efforts near Lillooet.

Marla Catherall, communications assistant with the Kamloops Fire Centre, says there’s been no new growth on the 500-hectare Xusum Creek fire located about 35 kilometres west of Lillooet and notes it’s about 35 per cent contained now. That’s up from 25 per cent Monday.

“Yes, [the weather is] definitely helping. There is a slight risk of lightning in the Kamloops and Lillooet areas but that could also bring isolated showers which would be nice,” she says. “So no real growth and hopefully we can keep that up.”

Catherall says a lot of resources have been deployed to battle the blaze including 97 firefighting personnel, heavy equipment, two helicopters and says more air support is on standby if needed.