Clearer skies overnight contributed to increased activity at the Bald Range wildfire as exceptionally dry fuels and shifting winds challenged crews Tuesday, Aug. 11.
The BC Wildfire Service lists the out-of-control wildfire at 17,802 hectares.
The service said poor overnight moisture recovery left forest fuels highly receptive to fire.
Winds were expected to shift to the northeast Tuesday before becoming northwesterly by evening, with gusts of up to 20 km/h. Calmer conditions were expected overnight.
Smoke was also expected to play a role in fire activity. The BC Wildfire Service said heavy smoke can limit visibility and aviation operations but can also moderate fire behaviour by blocking direct sunlight and reducing surface heating.
Clearer skies allow more sunlight to reach the fire, potentially increasing fire behaviour.
“Atmospheric instability is expected today and tomorrow, which will influence how smoke from wildfires to the west in the Fraser Canyon–Nicola area moves across the region,” said the BC Wildfire Service.
“If more smoke settles over the Bald Range Wildfire, it may help moderate fire behavior. If that smoke moves away, clearer skies will contribute to increased fire behaviour, particularly along the northern and western flanks. Increased smoke is also anticipated along the southern flank of the fire,” the service said.
Mexican firefighters join wildfire response
About 100 firefighters from Mexico were expected to join the Bald Range response Tuesday.
Crews were working to establish contingency lines in the Fish Lake and Meadow Valley areas and re-establish an anchor point following increased fire activity Monday.
Heavy equipment was building control lines after crews established more than 14 kilometres of machine guard Monday.
“Firefighters, structure protection personnel, heavy equipment and helicopters will continue working throughout the area, with crews assessing impacts as conditions safely allow,” the BC Wildfire Service said.
The service said information about confirmed structural impacts would be released by the appropriate regional districts and local authorities as it became available.
Provincial state of emergency in effect
The B.C. government has declared a provincial state of emergency.
Residents should follow evacuation orders and alerts issued by their local government or First Nation and be prepared to act quickly if conditions change.
The BC Wildfire Service said protecting lives and emergency responders is its highest priority, followed by protecting critical infrastructure and other values at risk.
Current road information is available through DriveBC.
For evacuation information, residents should contact their local government or visit EmergencyInfoBC.
The Animal Lifeline Emergency Response Team is providing animal care services for evacuees. Assistance is available at [email protected], 250-490-6531 or 250-328-4748.
People with livestock, agricultural operations or a large number of animals requiring assistance can contact the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen call centre at 250-490-4225.
