K41796 – Hullcar Mountain fire update

August 10th, 0930 Hours (9:30am)

Way’ Members,

Growth of the fire has slowed as BC Wildfire crews continue to work towards containment on the West, South and East flanks. Currently the fire is estimated at 716 Hectares. Environment Canada is once again forecasting a mix of scattered showers and thunderstorms for this afternoon and into Sunday afternoon.

Due to weather instability yesterday and the chance for erratic changes in wind BC Wildfire postponed their proposed hand ignition for more favorable weather conditions. The ignition operation will continue if favorable weather permits over the coming days. Please be advised that if ignition operations do go ahead, locals will notice a significant increase of smoke in the area which may be more visually impactful. The planned ignitions are within the current BC Wildfire guards and will help to ensure that fuel is removed from the internal area, allowing for more secure guards.

Work will continue tightlining today (Using bulldozers to widen and secure guards) and mopping up spot fires on the western and south flanks. An additional crew of 20 will be joining today pushing the total number of crew to between 70-80 BC Wildfire crew members. Structural protection crews will still be waiting on standby and aerial assets will be available for support, weather permitting. At this time most of the fire activity observed is rank 1 and 2 with isolated pockets of fire at rank 3.

Definitions on wildfire ranks are available on BC Wildfire Service’s website:

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/wildfire-response/about-wildfire/wildfire-rank

As a reminder OKIB urges watercraft users to stay off the North arm of Okanagan Lake, allowing BC Wildfire aircraft the required space needed to access water for firefighting.

The OKIB EOC will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates when possible.

Photos: Courtesy of the OKIB Field crew.

-Southern flank of the fire

-Northwest flank of the fire