Heat warning ends but fires still burn

KAMLOOPS — One good thing this morning is that Environment Canada has ended the heat warning that’s been in effect for the region the past few days. Temperatures are expected to reach the low to mid-thirties, but won’t hit the temperatures we’ve had since the start of the month. Overnight lows will drop as well. Unfortunately, no precipitation in the forecast.

The Sparks Lake wildfire hasn’t grown much in the past day, according to the B.C. Wildfire service. But there are increasing numbers of alerts. On the south branch of the fire, structure protection operations are in place, and crews are working to strengthen containment lines. On the north branch, control lines continue to be strengthened.

The Embleton Mountain fire near Sun Peaks sits at 516 hectares. Growth has been up-slope to the west away from the community of Whitecroft. Much of the fire is in steep and unsafe terrain, and helicopter drops continue to be the main resource being used.

The Tremont Creek fire 8.5 kilometers southeast of Ashcroft covers 780 hectares, and is still out of control. Strong winds are causing problems, and a number of alerts have been issued in the Ashcroft, Cache Creek, Savona and Walhachin areas. First priority is to establish egress routes in case people are ordered out of the area, then work will begin on control lines.

The Durand Lake fire is still out of control 28 kilometers southwest of Kamloops, and is covering 277 hectares at last report.

In the Cariboo, the fire south of Canim Lake is 1650 hectares in size. The CRD issued an evacuation order for the south side of Canim Lake and Mahood Lake. The Flat Lake fire southwest of 100 Mile House has covered over 8700 hectares and is still very aggressive. The District of 100 Mile is among those under evacuation alert. A number of other fires are burning in the Cariboo as well.