Account Login/Registration

Access VernonNow using your Facebook account, or by entering your information below.


Facebook


OR


Register

Privacy Policy

UPDATE: Tunkwa Lake Road wildfire 50% contained at 165 hectares

(UPDATE: May 18 @ 4:30 p.m.) — A wildfire burning north of Logan Lake is now 50% contained, BC Wildfire says. The Tunkwa Lake Road blaze is now mapped at 165 hectares, up from 145 on Thursday.

The wildfire was discovered six kilometres north of Logan Lake on Tuesday, but hasn't threatened any structures. Today, there were 72 BC Wildfire personnel on site, along with several pieces of heavy equipment and one helicopter. Air tankers were on standby yesterday.

(UPDATE: May 17 @ 1:30 p.m.) — A wildfire burning six kilometres north of Logan Lake is much less aggressive than it was when it was discovered two days ago.

BC Wildfire has mapped the Tunkwa Lake Road blaze at 145 hectares today and, while it is still classified as out of control, crews are making progress to get in contained.

"There may still be a little bit of fire activity within the perimeter, but it is low to moderate and the crews on the ground are feeling positive and optimistic," said fire information officer Marla Catherall.

<who>Photo Credit: BC Wildfire Service</who>

Today there are 60 BC Wildfire personnel on site, 10 pieces of heavy equipment, two helicopters and air tankers on standby. While overnight crews have been assigned over the last two days, none will be needed tonight, Catherall said.

The wildfire, believed to be human caused, is still not threatening any buildings. Catherall said crews have made significant progress minimizing growth on the east side of the fire, which is closest to structures.

"Currently suppression efforts and being concentrated on the southwest corner of the fire, which is an area closer to Bose Lake," she said. "It's an area with rough terrain, and it was unreachable by machine."

The BC Wildfire Service is warning the public to be safe with campfires over the Victoria Day long weekend. From April 1 to May 16, they have responded to 134 wildfires in B.C.

(UPDATE: May 16 @ 10 a.m.) — Seventeen firefighting personnel were working overnight to suppress a wildfire discovered near Tunkwa Lake Road on Tuesday.

The blaze, originally estimated at 12 hectares, could be up to 150 hectares in size, says BC Wildfire, but they can't say for sure.

"We're actually working on hopefully today getting a good solid track on that fire so we will have a better understanding of the size," said fire information officer Jody Lucius.

"Yesterday, it was difficult to estimate because of smoke in the area as well as some accessibility challenges. So, we should have a better estimate of that today."

The blaze just north of Logan Lake was discovered Tuesday afternoon and is believed to be human caused. Lucius said crews were headed back out this morning. Ground crews had support from air tankers yesterday evening.

"As of last night there were no structures threatened," Lucius said. "There are some structures in the vicinity but crews had made minimizing spread in that direction a priority and, as of last night, there were none threatened."

Updates will be provided as information becomes available.

(STORY: May 15 @ 4:30 p.m.) — BC Wildfire says 40 firefighters are tackling a new wildfire that was discovered near Logan Lake earlier this afternoon.

The fire is burning in the area of Tunkwa Lake Road and is believed to be human caused.

Fire information officer Nicole Bonnett said initial attack and ground crews are currently being supported by two air tankers. No structures are currently threatened by the wildfire.

<who>BC Wildfire Service</who>

Further updates will be provided as information becomes available.

Meanwhile, a fire that ignited closer to Kamloops on Monday was brought under control at just over one hectare. It was burning in the vicinity of Campbell Creek Road. Bonnett said crews were on site this morning doing mop-up.



Send your comments, news tips, typos, letter to the editor, photos and videos to [email protected].



Weather
webcam icon

weather-icon
Thu
12℃

weather-icon
Fri
11℃

weather-icon
Sat
12℃

weather-icon
Sun
15℃

weather-icon
Mon
17℃

weather-icon
Tue
16℃
current feed webcam icon

Top Stories

Follow Us

Follow us on Instagram Follow us on Twitter Like us on Facebook