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BCWS readies for incoming winds in Doctor Creek
The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) today reports the battle continues on the out-of-control Doctor Creek wildfire, 25 km southwest of Canal Flats, now an estimated 7,600 hectares.
“Today (Sept. 6), crews are continuing to secure control lines in preparation for the incoming cold front that is forecast to bring strong winds to the area, as early as Sunday afternoon (Sept. 6),” BCWS outlined.
“With wind gusts up to 60 kilometres an hour in wind-exposed areas, like valley-gaps and ridge lines, crews are anticipating an increase in fire activity. Heavy equipment is helping to secure control lines in the southeast and is working on contingency lines on the east and south flanks. Helicopters continue to be utilized for water and fire retardant delivery to help secure pre-determined boundaries.”
“On the north flank, crews continue to extinguish hot spots within 100 feet of the fire perimeter and deliver water to the fires edge.”
Today (Sept. 6), temperatures on site are slightly lower with increased relative humidity and an increase in northwesterly winds. As the cold front approaches, northwesterly winds pick up by the afternoon and sustain into Monday. With wind gusts above 60 kilometres per hour in wind-exposed areas, like valley-gaps and ridgelines, crews are anticipating an increase in fire activity in those areas. Temperatures remain in the teens on Monday (Sept. 8) as gusty northerly and easterly winds continue, BCWS noted.
“By Tuesday (Sept. 9), a high pressure ridge builds off the coast of B.C. bringing sunnier, warmer and drier conditions.”
BCWS today has 165 firefighters, eight helicopters and 13 pieces of heavy equipment working on the fire.
No structures are currently threatened. Structure protection systems are in use near the fire as a precautionary measure. Some structure protection units are being removed in areas where they are no longer necessary.
This time lapse video captures the September 4, planned ignition, as it progressed through the afternoon. The column of smoke was highly visible in surrounding communities. We would like to thank Columbia Valley residents, visitors and partner agencies for their ongoing support during the response.
During the planned ignitions, Sikorsky S-61 helicopters, as shown in this video (and pictured above), were utilized to deliver fire retardant to reinforce containment lines on the southeast flank. Sikorskys are capable of safely and effectively bucketing up to 750 gallons of liquid.
The BC Wildfire Service has reduced the size of the area restriction order for Crown land in the vicinity of the Doctor Creek wildfire. The area restriction applies to Crown land within the boundaries as outlined on this map: http://ow.ly/Byjl30r7Ex6.
The area restriction is in place to accommodate response operations, ensure the safety of firefighters and protect public safety. Road closures and area restrictions are subject to change depending on fire activity. For detailed information about the restriction, visit bcwildfire.ca > Information Bulletins > Changes made to the Doctor Creek Area Restriction.
For the most up-to-date information regarding evacuation alerts and orders related to this fire, please visit the RDEK > Evacuation Alerts & Orders
BCWS photos
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