The Elephant Hill wildfire’s west flank, to the east of the village of Clinton, has proved an ongoing challenge to wildfire suppression efforts over the past week due to sustained hot weather and variable winds.

Due to cooler temperatures and lower fire danger ratings in the northeastern portion of the Cariboo Fire Centre, BC Parks – in consultation with the BC Wildfire Service – reopened Bowron Lake Provincial Park for public use on July 28, 2017.

A return to warm and dry conditions has resulted in increased fire behaviour in many parts of the Elephant Hill wildfire, which is burning north of Ashcroft and Cache Creek and east of Clinton.

As a result of recent precipitation, cooler temperatures and a moderate fire danger rating in northern portions of the Kamloops Fire Centre, BC Parks – in consultation with the BC Wildfire Service – will re-open Wells Gray Provincial Park to public use as of 7 a.m. Pacific Time on Tuesday, July 25, 2017.

The geographic area for the access restriction around the Dunn Lake wildfire has been expanded and will remain in force until the public is otherwise notified.

Members of the public are encouraged to be on the lookout for any wildlife or livestock displaced by a wildfire.

Effective at noon on Tuesday, July 18, 2017, an area restriction for Crown land around the Elephant Hill wildfire (formerly referred to as the Ashcroft Reserve fire) came into effect.

Members of the public are reminded that a full closure of Wells Gray Provincial Park has been in place since July 9, 2017, and will remain in effect until the public is advised otherwise.

With British Columbia continuing to battle wildfires during an exceptionally severe wildfire season, a contingent of specialized wildfire personnel from Australia will be coming to B.C. to assist with wildfire response.