With the return of more seasonal weather in recent days, BC Wildfire Service crews have made considerable headway in containing the two most-prominent wildfires within the Kamloops Fire Centre.

Although the region has been experiencing cooler temperatures and more rainfall, it is vital for the public to be cautious with campfire use, and any other activity that could potentially ignite a wildfire. Human-caused wildfires are entirely preventable, and can unnecessarily divert valuable firefighting resources from naturally occurring wildfires.

Below is an update on the two main wildfires that the BC Wildfire Service is responding to in the Kamloops Fire Centre:

Allie Lake wildfire (2,739 hectares, about 55 kilometres northwest of Kamloops)

• The BC Wildfire Service has 66 personnel on site today. They are patrolling the fire and actively extinguishing hot spots.
• This wildfire is 100% contained, and is classified as “being held”. The incident management team that was assigned to this fire now has transferred responsibility back to the local fire zone.
• Due to the significant progress that has been made on suppressing this fire (and forecasted weather conditions), the BC Wildfire Service does not expect this fire to spread beyond its existing boundaries.
• An area restriction that had been implemented for this wildfire is now rescinded.
• Any area damaged by a wildfire can pose potential safety hazards. The BC Wildfire Service advises members of the public to keep away from such areas while firefighting operations are still active. 

Xusum Creek wildfire (483 hectares, about 35 kilometres west of Lillooet near Anderson Lake)

• The BC Wildfire Service continues to respond to the Xusum Creek wildfire, with 40 personnel working to extinguish hot spots and one helicopter on site today.
• Successful suppression efforts and favourable weather conditions have decreased the need to use air support and heavy equipment on this fire. This fire is not threatening any communities.
• The Xusum Creek wildfire is classified as “out of control” because due to the steep terrain, crews are unable to fully extinguish it along its top edge. Firefighters are unable to work in this upper area due to its inaccessibility and related safety concerns.
• As a result, the BC Wildfire Service is taking a “modified response” approach to this incident. This means that personnel are actively monitoring the fire, and have established trigger points that will prompt further action if the fire reaches those predetermined parameters. The BC Wildfire Service has set up a remote-controlled camera, with a view of the upper slope of the fire site, to help monitor fire activity in that area.
• If necessary, additional resources will be deployed to ensure that this fire remains within pre-established containment lines.
• People in nearby communities will continue to see smoke rising from the upper portion of this fire.

The Kamloops Fire Centre thanks the public for continued help in preventing wildfires. Please support B.C.’s firefighters by staying clear of wildfires, and respecting any open burning restrictions that are in place. 

In the Kamloops Fire Centre, Category 2 and Category 3 prohibitions are currently in effect for all areas below an elevation of 1,200 metres. For more information about these prohibitions, please visit: http://bcfireinfo.for.gov.bc.ca/hprScripts/wildfirenews/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=2956

Report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation by calling 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone.

For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, go to: http://www.bcwildfire.ca

You can also follow the latest B.C. wildfire news:

• On Twitter: http://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo
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