Crews Gaining Ground on Northern BC Wildfires

Tuesday, 18 June 2019 15:15

The Alkali Lake fire burned through and around the community of Telegraph Creek in 2018 (Photo courtesy of Energeticcity)

BC Wildfire Service says crews are gaining ground on the Black Angus Fire near Lower Post and the remnant holdover fires from the 2018 Alkali Lake Fire near Telegraph Creek.

BC Wildfire Service Information Officer Carolyn Bartos says the fire situation in northwestern British Columbia is currently under control.

While Bartos highlights the Black Angus Fire near Lower Post and the remnant holdover fires from the 2018 Alkali Lake fire near Telegraph Creek are still burning in the northern portion of the province, recent weather patterns in the area have helped with fire suppression efforts.

"We're looking at a little bit of a downturn in activity. On the Black Angus Fire, we currently have two unit crews and an initial attack crew who are currently working on mopping up the perimeter of that fire. They're looking at leaving that fire on Wednesday with 100% containment. In terms of the Alkali Lake fire, we are currently monitoring six holdover fires and those are on a continually monitored basis. We've been applying suppression activity as and when needed."

Bartos says wildfire crews remain on standby as hotter and drier weather is expected in northern British Columbia near the end of the week.

Bartos says a smaller fire camp has been setup in Dease Lake now due to the lessening of fire activity in the area.

"The 150-person fire camp has been demobilized and there is now another fire camp which can house up to 50 people which has been set up at the Dease Lake fire base. That is located around the property of the airport."

Yukon Wildland Fire Information Officer Mike Fancie also says crews continue to monitor the Bear Creek wildfire in southwestern Yukon and the Toobally Lakes fire in southeastern Yukon, which are now burning at 604 and 14,000 hectares respectively.

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