East Shuswap Road fire ‘being held’

Jul 16, 2018 | 8:54 AM

KAMLOOPS — Wildfire crews are getting the upper hand on the East Shuswap Road fire.

The BC Wildfire Service is now classifying the blaze as “being held.”

“The East Shuswap Road wildfire’s status has changed from out of control to being held. Being held means that we do not anticipate further growth due to current conditions and suppression tactics,” it says.

“Due to successful burn operations carried out on July 14, the fire is now estimated at 545 hectares. This increase of size was anticipated. The burn operations successfully reinforced fireguards and removed fuels in areas that are unsafe for crews to access.”

Wildfire personnel continue to extinguish hot spots within 100 feet of the fire’s perimeter and are working to increase containment of the fire.

The fire broke out last Thursday forcing the evacuation of half a dozen homes. All evacuation orders and alerts have since been lifted.

Over 50 firefighters are working the blaze today.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.