Shovel Lake Wildfire (R11498)
Location: approx. 6km north of the community of Fraser Lake
Status: 84,793.7hectares (mapped—processed infra-red image)
Cause: under investigation
Resources: 253 firefighters, 52 pieces of heavy equipment, 8 helicopters shared in the complex
Objectives: The Shovel Lake fire remains active, and has currently been mapped at 84,793.7 hectares using high level infra-red scans. Today ground crews worked to mop up sections of the fire on the southern perimeter and will continue to push guard in on the southern flank of the fire. The east side of the fire was active yesterday and crossed over the Settlement Road, moving through some heavy timber and into a field, moving under the burn scar from last year. Heavy equipment and crews worked to tie this back in to the perimeter yesterday. Skimmers also were working on the Hannay Road guard to assist equipment and crews on the ground. Crews along the south perimeter of the fire conducted a successful planned ignition yesterday, creating an approximately six kilometre fuel free from Stern Lake to Ormond Creek. This reinforces the containment line that has been put in place along the png pipeline and will help stop fire growth south towards the north shore of Fraser Lake by removing fuel within the fire perimeter to eliminate the chance of re-burn and fire spotting potential. This planned ignition was supported by water skimming aircraft off of Fraser Lake, airtankers dropping fire retardant, and bucketing helicopters. Structural firefighters and structural protection specialists were on the Stella Road area to protect structures as a proactive measure during the burn-off. Night crews were assigned to active sections of the fire last night to keep communities and structures safe. Heavy equipment has now pushed continuous guard on the south side of the fire going east. The continuous guard starts at the Sutherland FSR and links to Dog Creek Trail, with the containment line running north of the png pipeline and Stella Rd. This continuous guard veers northward to wrap up the eastern side of the fire, crossing Barlow FSR and extending northward. The eastern guard is currently about one kilometre northwest of Marie Lake. Ground crews and heavy equipment will also continue making a guard near Hannay Rd on the northwestern side of the fire today. While the BC Wildfire Service appreciates the support from the local communities, we are unable to accept or facilitate donations at the Fraser Lake fire camp. Instead, please consider donating to groups supporting wildfire evacuees in affected areas.
Evacuations: An Evacuation Order and Alert remains in effect for this wildfire by the Bulkley Nechako Regional District, with the alert being expanded last night. For more information visit: https://www.rdbn.bc.ca/
BC Wildfire Service continues to implement an Area Order Restriction to protect public safety due to the wildfire’s rate of spread and to avoid interference with fire suppression efforts. The area restriction will remain in place until noon on Sept. 15, 2018, or until the order is rescinded. The area restriction order applies to all Crown land outlined on the map (including recreational campgrounds) that is available online at: http://ow.ly/X8Mr30lbPR9
Island Lake Wildfire (R11921)
Location: Adjacent to Island Lake
Status: 14,864 hectares in size (estimated)
Cause: Under investigation
Resources: 64 firefighters, 11 pieces of heavy equipment, 8 helicopters shared in the complex
Objectives: The Island Lake fire was active yesterday, with noticeable smoke coming off of the incident in the morning. There was a 120 hectare excursion to the south of Anzus Lake running southeast towards Borel Lake. No structural values were threatened. Crews continue to monitor for and extinguish any spot fires. Ground crews and heavy equipment are continuing to work off the 238 Road to build a fuel free containment line. Hand ignitions were conducted yesterday evening to support the development of safety zones between Borel Lake and Anzus Lake. Heavy equipment are working night shifts to build guard while fire activity is minimal. Today, crews will continue their work to tie the fire into the former Binta Fire burn scar from 2010. Crews are continuing to build guard on the southeast flank and the 238 Road and are monitoring for values in need of structural protection in the area and on the lakeshore. The weather is anticipated to be warm and dry today, with winds alternating from the east and the north up to 15 km/hr. While the BC Wildfire Service appreciates the support from the local communities, we are unable to accept or facilitate donations at the Fraser Lake fire camp. Instead please consider donating to groups supporting wildfire evacuees in affected areas.
Fire Weather Summary
Sunday – Sunny. Winds becoming N-E 8-15km/h. High temperatures near 26 and minimum RH 20-25%. Sunday night the inversion issue returns with lower recovery aloft.
Outlook Monday and Tuesday — The ridge drifts inland Monday. Sunshine continues and temps rise to near 28°C with humidity in the low 20’s. Winds Monday light E-NE. On Tuesday, a weak upper cold front moves to near Smithers as the ridge heads east. Sunshine continues and temperatures remain near 28°C with humidity in the low 20’s. Winds become SW-W 15-20km/h with potential gusts to 30.
