No growth on E. Shuswap Road fire overnight

Jul 14, 2018 | 1:03 PM

KAMLOOPS — The BC Wildfire Service continues to work day and night in hopes of extinguishing the East Shuswap Road Fire burning on the Tk’emlups Reserve. 

Operation Sections Chief J.J. Lum says the fire remains at a size of 500 hectares burned despite the winds that picked up overnight. 

“We had extreme wind behaviour last night, coupled with some terrain traps provided some challenges for the crews,” Lum said. “We did have crews in place on scene when this happened, as well as helicopters in the sky, and they responded in conjunction with Kamloops Fire and Rescue, as well as the Tk’emlups Indian Band to protect all of the structures in the area.” 

WATCH: RAW VIDEO FROM A HELICOPTER TOUR CFJC TOOK OF THE FIRE AREA SATURDAY MORNING

Lum says crews have been conducting controlled burns in the tricky terrain. 

“Yesterday we did some burning to reinforce some of the guards we have along the northern flank of the fire,” he said. “Because of the steep terrain and the terrain traps there, it’s our best strategy to manage that area.” 

The BC Wildfire Service is not anticipating any more severe weather events, however, conditions are expected to remain hot and dry. 

Fire Information Officer Jody Lucius says more smoke may be visible Saturday afternoon as crews plan to ignite some controlled burns. 

She says crews will first be doing some tests to see if conditions are optimal for these burn operations.