Fraser Complex Evening Update
Shovel Lake Wildfire (R11498)
Location: approx. 6km north of the community of Fraser Lake
Status: 91,253 hectares (mapped—infrared scan)
Cause: under investigation
Resources: 230 firefighters, 47 pieces of heavy equipment, 12 helicopters (shared in the complex)
Objectives: The fire remains internally active but is still primarily within containment lines. Visibility issues were rampant across the fire with thick smoke over the area due to western winds, but late afternoon clearing meant helicopters were eventually able to provide bucketing support to ground crews. The growth on the northeast corner has had machine guard built around the end. However, this part of the fire continues to be active within guard lines and is visible from the surrounding areas but it is resourced and the main east flank of the fire has not moved towards Fort St James, Highway 27, or Highway 16 in the last week. Crews continue to work late to take advantage of favourable conditions on the northeast flank tonight conducting hand ignitions to remove available fuels in order to reinforce the containment lines – this will be visible from the surrounding areas. Media reports from earlier today that the fire would eventually run into Stuart Lake were incorrect as the fire has not progressed towards the lake and the probability that it will do so is low given the resources and containment lines in place.
Crews continue to mop-up along the north for completed objectives while further contingency guards on the north and northeast flanks are being established. The fire remains active on the north flank in the Sutherland Drainage, but crews conducted planned ignitions today to secure parts of the flank and protect timber values. In the south, crews are mopping up along Sutherland Road to William Road from yesterday’s controlled burn and will have that line secured by end of day.
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