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UPDATE: Flat Lake wildfire no longer wildfire of note

(UPDATE: Aug. 31 @ 3:20 pm) – The Flat Lake wildfire will no longer be considered a fire of note, effective Sept. 1.

According to BC Wildfire Service (BCWS), a wildfire of note is “highly visible or [poses] a potential threat to public safety."

Crews were able to get the fire under control after it burned an estimated 74,194 hectares.

When a fire is classified as under control it means that “the fire has received sufficient suppression action to ensure no further spread of the fire.”

Today, there are 188 firefighters and 13 pieces of heavy equipment on site.

An area restriction was implemented for this wildfire on Aug. 25 and will remain in effect until noon on Sept. 30 or until it is rescinded.

Danger tree assessments and falling, demobilization of equipment and mop up operations will continue.

The Thompson-Nicola and Cariboo Regional Districts rescinded all evacuation alerts on Aug. 24.


(UPDATE: Aug. 29 @ 4 pm) – The Flat Lake wildfire is still estimated at 74,194 hectares but now classified as “under control.”

There are 164 firefighters and 26 pieces of heavy equipment assigned to the fire today.

Five structural protection personnel and five helicopters are available through the 100 Mile Northeast Complex wildfires.

The Cariboo Regional District rescinded one of the last evacuation alerts issued due to this wildfire.

The Thompson-Nicola Regional District also rescinded all evacuation alerts on Aug.24.

The CRD also rescinded their campfire ban effective Friday, Aug. 27 at noon.

BC Wildfire Service confirms that many of the fires in the Cariboo Fire Centre are now considered as held or under control.

The agency explains that "given the current and forecast conditions, any new fire start is not expected to be beyond initial attack capabilities."

Danger tree falling is an ongoing operation to ensure crews can safely move around the area as they mop up and patrol.

An infrared scan, upwards to 50 feet, occurred on the northern flank of the fire and crews will be attacking identified hotspots today.

Crews are also demobilizing equipment such as pumps and hoses in areas that are secured with minimal fire activity.

Structure protection personnel will begin to take down their equipment today as well.

The control line north of Gustafsen Lake and along the fire’s edge from Holden Lake to north of Moose Valley Park is now completed.

Crews will be mopping up along Dog Creek Road and the 1100 Road on the northern flank of the fire.

BC Wildfire Service explains that “work continues in the 83 to 87 mile area, with prioritization near properties.”


(UPDATE: Aug. 25 @ 5:00 pm) – Today the BC Wildfire Service has implemented an area restriction for the Flat Lake wildfire to “avoid interference with fire control.”

The 74,194 hectare fire has experienced an increase in fire behaviour on the northwestern flank.

Crews worked to contain this area and no increase in size was recorded.

There are 237 firefighters, 29 pieces of heavy equipment and five structural protection personnel on site.

Crews are supported by the seven helicopters being shared throughout the 100 Mile Northeast Complex.

<who> Photo Credit: BCWS

Crews will continue to mop up hotspots in the northwestern flank while heavy equipment cleans up the area where a planned ignition took place yesterday.

The northern flank saw low fire behaviour yesterday and BCWS says crews are making good progress in this area.

Crews working in the Holden Lake area are directly attacking the edge of the fire and making their way northwest towards the Moose Valley Park.

Structural protection assessments are ongoing in this area.

Direct attack operations are ongoing in the northeastern flank near Valentine Lake

A portion of the Moose Valley Area in the Cariboo Regional District has been moved to evacuation alert.

The Thompson-Nicola Regional District downgraded an evacuation alert for 165 properties to all clear yesterday afternoon.

<who> Photo Credit: Thompson-Nicola Regional District


(UPDATE: Aug. 24 @ 12 pm) – The Flat Lake wildfire, located 27 km southwest of 100 Mile House, is now estimated at 74,194 hectares.There are 211 firefighters and 37 pieces of heavy equipment assigned to the fire today.

A portion of an evacuation order for the Moose Valley Order Area #2 has been rescinded to all clear, effective Monday, Aug. 23 at 4 pm.

A portion of Moose Valley Area Order #2 remains on evacuation order.

<who> Photo Credit: Cariboo Regional District

The Moose Valley North area was also removed from evacuation alert, effective Aug.23 at 2pm

<who> Photo Credit: Cariboo Regional District

The Cariboo Regional District moved the following areas to all clear, effective Aug.23 at 2pm

  • Flat Lake South area
  • FLat Lake – Green Lake area
  • Flat Lake West Area #2

<who> Photo Credit: Cariboo Regional District

Crews working on the northwestern flank continue to mop up from planned ignitions that took place last week.

They will work northwards while heavy equipment will move east to re-establish a containment line in the area.

The Gustafson Lake FSR and Helena Lake North FSR, in the northern flank, have been widened.

Heavy equipment in this area will work their way west towards the head of the fire located near the Moose Valley Park.

Structural protection is ongoing in this area.

Crews on the northeastern flank are directly attacking the fire along its perimeter and building a fuel free guard near Valentine Lake.

The southern flank has been secured by the planned ignitions that have occurred near McKinley Lake and Alberta Lake.

Planned ignitions continue to be used to keep the fire behind containment lines.

<who> Photo Credit: BCWS


(UPDATE: Aug. 22 @ 8:30 pm) – The Flat Lake wildfire’s growth has slowed this weekend.

It is still estimated at 73,779 hectares.

There are 197 firefighters, 50 pieces of heavy equipment and five structure protection personnel on scene today.

They are supported by the 15 helicopters available through the 100 Mile House Northeast Complex.

Yesterday, crews had favourable conditions and engaged in more planned ignitions on the northwest flank of the fire near Dog Creek Road.

Crews will mop up in the area, where these ignitions occurred, up to 25 feet.

Heavy equipment is working to the east of these planned ignitions and re-establishing containment lines.

<who> Photo Credit: BCWS

Crews on the northern flank of the fire are also engaging in mop up activities where previous ignition operations occurred near the Moose Valley Park.

While they mop up, crews will extinguish any hotspots they may encounter as they work behind more pieces of heavy equipment.

Direct attacks on the fire is an ongoing process in the northeastern flank of the fire.

More planned ignitions took place in the southern and western flanks, as BCWS explains that “utilizing planned ignitions has prevented the wildfire from burning up to the control lines on its own under more active conditions.”


(UPDATE: Aug. 20 @ 1:25 pm) - While there's been just minimal growth on a number of wildfires around British Columbia this week, the Flat Lake wildfire had other ideas.

It has grown more than 4,000 hectares since Wednesday and now sits at an estimated 73,779 hectares in size.

Planned ignitions continue to be the key firefighting technique being used by crews assigned to this fire and another one was successfully completed on the northwestern flank on Thursday.

<who>Photo Credit: BCWS</who>A planned ignition on the Flat Lake wildfire this week.

"This occurred above the previous planned ignition from Aug. 18, in the northwestern corner of the fire, along the western edge of the fire perimeter on Dog Creek Road," the BC Wildfire Service explained.

If conditions allow for it, another planned ignition is scheduled for today to remove unburnt fuels between the fire perimeter and pre-determined control lines.

"This will bring the fire perimeter to more easily accessible locations where ground crews can safely work and deliver water directly to the fire's edge," said the BCWS.

"Firefighters will also conduct mop up operations up to 15ft in the area of the planned ignition and complete danger tree assessments and falling where it is required."

If the planned ignition does go ahead, aerial support will remain on site to support it.

The BCWS saw increased fire activity on the northern flank yesterday, north of Moose Valley Park, because of increased winds and crossover conditions.

Heavy lift aircraft cooled down hot spot to slow the spread, while firefighters continue to set up a water delivery system along this line today, as well as conduct mop up operations.

Other ongoing tasks for the northern part of this fire include utilizing direct attack methods along the fire's perimeter and widening guards.

There's plenty of resources assigned to this large fire, with 193 firefighters, 57 pieces of heavy equipment and 13 helicopters all available for suppression efforts.

Visit the Cariboo Regional District website or Facebook page for more information on evacuation orders and alerts.


(UPDATE: Aug. 18 @ 1:20 pm) – The Flat Lake wildfire experienced approximately 769 hectares of growth overnight.

The fire is now estimated at 69,320 hectares – yesterday, Aug.17 it was estimated at 68,551 hectares.

The number of crew members on site remains largely unchanged with 128 firefighters, 57 pieces of heavy equipment and five structural protection personnel.

There are 13 helicopters available to support suppression operations through the 100 Mile House Northeast Complex.

If conditions continue to be favourable, planned ignitions may occur today on the western flank of the fire near the Dog Creek road area.

The 400 hectare planned ignition will create a safe and more accessible space for crews to bring water the edge of the fire so they can directly attack it.

<who> Photo Credit: BCWS</who> Planned ignitions from Aug.12

Planned ignitions have been an ongoing process in the fight against the Flat Lake wildfire.

To prepare crews are establishing a water delivery system along Dog Creek Road and air resources will be on standby to help ground crews.

Air resources continue to extinguish hotspots along the northern flank, in the Moose Valley Park.

Yesterday, crews directly attacked the fire “by patrolling and extinguishing hot spots from 87 mile to 83 mile prioritizing areas near properties.”

Visit the Cariboo Regional District website or Facebook page for more information on evacuation orders and alerts.

<who> Photo Credit: BCWS


(UPDATE: Aug. 17 @ 2:40 pm) – The Flat Lake wildfire has not seen any significant growth and remains at an estimated 68,551 hectares.

This lightning-caused wildfire was discovered July 8 approximately 27km southwest of 100 Mile House.

Today, there are 128 firefighters and 57 pieces of heavy equipment supported by the 13 helicopters available from the 100 Mile Northeast Complex.

Crews are also being supported by five structural protection personnel.

<who> Photo Credit: BCWS

BC Wildfire Service reports a cold front has moved across the fire and “danger tree assessments and falling will occur today.”

Heavy equipment crews are working to reinforce a guard built on the west flank of an excursion located off the northwestern flank of the fire.

Despite the cooler temperatures some north/northwest winds have rolled in, which caused some hotspots to cross a control line in the northwestern flank.

BCWS affirms that the excursion “is burning back into the fire but heavy equipment will wrap with a fuel free guard to ensure there is no further growth.”

<who> Photo Credit: BCWS</who> Air support on the northern flank on Aug.17

The fire crossed another fire guard in the northern flank due to the change in wind direction, however, the cooler conditions reduced this fire activity.

On the western flank, crews will continue to extinguish, mop up and directly attack the fire.

The 1100 road has been widened while crews continue establishing a control line near Holden Lake.

<who> Photo Credit: BCWS</who> Military personnel establishing a control line on Aug. 17

Here is a list of the latest evacuation notices issued by the Cariboo Regional District:

Visit cariboord.ca for more information on other alerts and orders due to this fire.


(UPDATE: Aug. 15 @ 4 pm) – The Flat Lake wildfire experienced a shift in wind direction and some warmer temperatures with low humidity.

The fire is now estimated to be burning at 68,551 hectares.

BC Wildfire Service explains that activity has been very active on the northern flank yesterday afternoon and evening.

There are 109 firefighters, 51 pieces of heavy equipment and five structural protection personnel.

Thirteen helicopters are being shared amongst the 100 Mile Northeast Complex wildfires.

<who> Photo Credit: BC Wildfire dashboard

Crews will continue securing an excursion on the northwestern area of the fire by building a guard.

“Skimmers supported these efforts yesterday by cooling down hot spots while equipment worked to put in line along the top of the excursion,” BCWS states.

The fire crossed a containment line near Moose Valley Park on Friday, Aug. 13.

On Saturday, Aug. 14, the Cariboo Regional District issued an evacuation order for three properties in the Moose Valley area.

<who> Photo Credit: Cariboo Regional District

Crews will work to re-establish and widen existing control lines along the Snag Lake road north towards the Moose Valley Park and east towards the 1100 road.

“Firefighters will conduct mop up operations and secure areas along control lines by actioning hot spots where it is safe to do so.”

The Thompson-Nicola Regional District also has evacuation alerts and orders in place.

The District of 100 Mile House does not have any current evacuation orders or alerts.

<who> Photo Credit: Thompson-Nicola Regional District


(UPDATE: Aug. 11 @ 5:40 pm) – BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) still estimates the size of the Flat Lake Wildfire to be 62,895 hectares.

Yesterday, Aug. 10, crews completed more small scale hand ignitions to remove unburned fuels in the fire’s path.

Today, there are 121 firefighters, 42 pieces of heavy equipment and 13 helicopters assigned to this fire.

Crews are supported by 10 structure protection personnel.

The agency notes that crews are due to continue in their hand ignitions today.

“Heavy equipment will continue to extend the tight-line to the east, and firefighters will mop up areas along the guard where ignitions occurred.”

<who> Photo Credit: BC Wildfire Service</who> Example of planned ignitions that occurred on Aug. 6

Firefighters are now engaging in direct attack methods in the northeast flank to secure the fire’s perimeter in the area.

“This evening, if conditions are favourable, small-scaled hand ignitions will occur on the northeast corner of the fire,” explains BCWS.

Here is the link for the evacuation notices issued by the Thompson-Nicola Regional District.

Visit this link for updates from the Cariboo Regional District.

<who> Photo Credit: BC Wildfire Service


(UPDATE: Aug.9 @ 12:30 pm) - The Flat Lake wildfire burning 27 kilometres southwest of 100 Mile, is now an estimated 62, 895 hectares as a more accurate track was completed yesterday.

Over the last few days crews have been mopping up the guard where ignitions occurred, and heavy equipment has begun building new containment lines on the northwest corner.

Similar work continues today as crews will continue advancing down the line with patrol and mop up along the ignition areas as well as use direct attack methods on the west flank.

There are currently 132 firefighters, 39 pieces of heavy equipment, and 10 structural protection personnel working on the fire, with 14 helicopters being shared between the 100 Mile Northeast Complex.

Structural protection specialists continue to support the residences and properties on the west side of Hwy 97. They will continue working in the Meadow Lake and Evergreen areas assessing the need for structure protection, demobbing it where it is no longer needed and conducting assessments on the north flank of the fire as needed.

Planned ignitions have been successful in securing the south flank, south east corner and southern half of the west flank. These planned ignition have occurred from McKinley and Alberta Lakes area, along the 3900 Road to the Meadow Lake-Dog Creek Rd junction and up the Dog Creek Road to approximately the 30km marker.

"The Flat Lake wildfire remains an active wildfire and an active WorkSafeBC site. Smoke will be visible, especially as we move in to another period of hot and dry weather this coming week," said BCWS, in todays release. "Crews, heavy equipment and aviation resources will continue to work in the area. Please drive slowly, give them the space to do their work and stay clear of active worksites. If you have questions or want to talk about the fire please contact the Fire Information Officer. Please do not approach crews on the incident, let them do their work."

Evacuation alerts and orders are no longer in place through the Thompson Nicola Regional District (TNRD), and the evac alert for the District of 100 Mile House has been lifted.

Although evacuation orders have been rescinded by the Cariboo Regional District (CRD), several alerts remain in place.

Planned ignitions will be ongoing for the Flat Lake fire, as it is an essential and effective tactic that BCWS is using to contain this wildfire.


(UPDATE: Aug. 7 @ 5:30 pm) – The Flat Lake wildfire is now burning at an estimated 60,739 hectares.

“Most of this growth is attributed to overnight activity two nights ago but an updated track was not obtained until yesterday afternoon,” reports BC Wildfire Service (BCWS).

Today there are 115 firefighters, 36 pieces of heavy equipment, 10 structural protection personnel and 15 helicopters.

Structural protection personnel continue to support residences and properties on the west side of Highway 97.

Crews will continue to mop up in the northeast corner of the fire and make their way north.

<who> Photo Credit: BC Wildfire dashboard

Mop up operations will also be done in the western flank where crews engaged in planned ignitions yesterday.

“Heavy equipment will begin building new containment lines on the northwest corner,” explains BCWS.

BCWS will also be implementing a road closure for the forest service road locally known as the “1100 road” to ensure first responder and public safety.

Planned ignitions will continue as weather conditions allow.

DriveBC reports that there continues to be a travel advisory for Highway 97.

<who> Photo Credit: DriveBC

The Cariboo Regional District downgraded a portion of the evacuation order for electoral area “N” (Green Lake) to an alert, effective Aug. 5 at 2 pm.

The Thompson-Nicola Regional District also downgraded an order to an evacuation alert for electoral area “E” (Bonaparte Plateau) effective Aug. 6 at 2:15 pm.

The District of 100 Mile House remains on evacuation alert as of Aug.6


(UPDATE: Aug. 4 @ 8:30 am) - After postponing planned ignitions on the Flat Lake wildfire Tuesday morning, conditions improved in the late afternoon for the BC Wildfire Service to execute some controlled burns.

The planned ignitions, which covered around 800 hectares, removed unburnt fuels between the fire perimeter and pre-determined control lines on the southwest flank of the fire.

It built off of the July 31 planned ignition that the BCWS said "was successful in securing the south flank of the fire."

As a result, the southwest corner of the fire has been brought to more easily accessible locations where ground crews can safely work and deliver water.

"Planned ignitions are an essential and effective tactic that the BCWS uses to help contain very large wildfires," the BCWS further explained.

"Conditions will be monitored closely and operations will be halted if conditions change. Aviation support will be utilized throughout the day."

While Tuesday's efforts were positive, the fire is still a mammoth at 53,211 hectares, burning southwest of 100 Mile House.

Fortunately, the fire's primary growth in recent days has been away from 100 Mile House, but the town still remains under an evacuation alert.

Other evacuation alerts and even some orders remain in place for rural properties, which you can learn more about on the Cariboo Regional District and Thompson-Nicola Regional District websites.

This fire has closed Hwy 97 at times, but the road is currently open.

There are 105 firefighters and 32 pieces of heavy equipment assigned to this fire, while 15 helicopters are also available for 100 Mile House Complex wildfires like this one.

There are also 10 structure protection personnel that are supporting residences and properties on the west side of Hwy 97.


(UPDATE: July 31 @ 3:30 pm): Crews continue to attack the Flat Lake wildfire in the Cariboo.

According to the BC Wildfire Service, the blaze now sits at 45,526 hectares in size. It is still classified as "out of control."

"Lightning is expected to move through the area later today and in to tomorrow and accompanying precipitation is anticipated to be minimal."

"Increased activity within the fire perimeter is expected as temperatures increase into the weekend and relative humidity remains low."

A total of 57 firefighters, 35 pieces of heavy equipment, 17 helicopters and six structure protection units are working on the blaze.


(UPDATE: July 30 @ 11:40 am) - The Flat Lake wildfire is estimated to be at 39,584 hectares, but that size is based on data collected by BCWS from July 26.

This fire remains active and classified out of control and with the higher temperatures, it is excepted that fire behavior will increase in the next few days.

Hwy 97 currently has a travel advisory in effect between Big Bar Rd and 94 Mile Frtg for 54.6 km (7 km north of Clinton to 4 km south of 100 Mile House), as there is limited visibility with smoke.

The Cariboo Regional District (CRD) issued an evacuation alert for Flat Lake west last night.

An expansion of the evacuation alert for electoral area E (Bonaparte Plateau) was issued by the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD),

The existing evacuation order and alerts issued by the Thompson-Nicola Regional District remain in place

The evacuation order issued by the CRD remain in place with the exception of Flat Lake to Green Lake North, as their order was partially rescinded to an alert.

The District of 100 Mile House has also issued an evacuation alert, and at this time, the BCWS has NOT made recommendations for the evacuation alert to be upgraded to an evacuation order.

There are currently 76 firefighters, 39 pieces of heavy equipment, and 19 helicopters, and six structural protection personnel battling the blaze.


(UPDATE: July 28 @ 2:00 pm) – The Flat Lake wildfire continues to burn at 39,584 hectares.

The BC Wildfire Service is expecting fire behaviour to increase in the coming days as temperatures rise.

Planned ignitions and aviation support will be ongoing for this fire.

BC Wildfire Service says air resources may be picking up lakes in the area and requests that people stay clear of these operations.

There are currently 84 firefighters, 16 helicopters and 44 pieces of heavy equipment working this fire.

Crews are being supported by 10 structure protection personnel.

<who> Photo Credit: BC Wildfire dashboard

Thompson-Nicola Regional District evacuation orders and alerts remain in place.

The Cariboo Regional District evacuation order and alerts remain in place with the exception of Flat Lake to Green Lake North.

The evacuation order in the vicinity of Flat Lake to Green Lake North has been replaced with an evacuation alert.

DriveBC reports that Highway 97 remains open and travellers are asked to reduce speed and watch for crews working in the area.


(UPDATE: July 27 @ 11:40 am) - The Flat Lake wildfire is quickly catching up to the Sparks Lake wildfire when it comes to the biggest fire in British Columbia conversation.

New data shows that the fire is now 39,584 hectares in size and it remains out of control.

According to the BC Wildfire Service, planned ignitions continue to be executed at the Flat Lake wildfire when the conditions allow it.

"The objective of the planned ignition is to remove unburned fuels between the fire perimeter and pre-determined control lines such as roads and machine guards," explained the BCWS.

"This tactic will bring the fire's edge to more easily accessible locations where ground crews can safely deliver water directly to the fire's edge."

The agency called planned ignitions an "essential and effective" tactic that is used to help contain very large fires.

Fire behaviour is expected to continue increasing over the coming days thanks to the high temperatures and windy conditions.

A number of evacuation orders and alerts remain in place from the Thompson-Nicola Regional District for rural properties, while the entire District of 100 Mile House remains under an evacuation alert.

There are currently 78 firefighters, 44 pieces of heavy equipment and 15 helicopters assigned to the fire, along with 10 structure protection personnel.


(UPDATE: July 24 @ 3:30 pm) - Crews continue to battle the Flat Lake wildfire near 100 Mile House on Saturday.

According to the BCWS, the fire is still out of control at 32,194 hectares. Hwy 97 in the area has since reopened, though the evacuation order is still in effect.

"Yesterday a portion of the planned ignition operation was completed. Heavy equipment and crews also made progress on establishing and securing control lines."

"There was moderate fire behavior yesterday with some growth in the south and minimal growth in the north. The fire continues to be monitored by crews overnight."

A total of 92 firefighters, 15 helicopters, 51 pieces of heavy equipment and 23 structure protection units are on scene.

NowMedia will update the story when more information is available.

(UPDATE: July 23 @ 12:45 pm) - The Flat Lake wildfire continues to grow at a troublesome rate.

The BC Wildfire Service now estimates the fire, located southwest of 100 Mile House, to be 32,194 hectares in size.

"There was moderate fire behaviour with some growth in the south and southwest," the BCWS said.

"With the expected weather forecast for the next few days, crews can safely conduct direct attack operations."


Heavy equipment will be working to gain access and establish indirect control lines on the east flank of the fire today.

There's also plans for ignitions in a small area north of Davis Lake if conditions permit.

"Crews will be working north of stormy road to remove available fuels between the fire and the guard.," added the BCWS.

"On the north end, crews will be working to connect existing road systems in the vicinity of Gustafsen and Neilson lakes."

There are 89 firefighters, 53 pieces of heavy equipment and 15 helicopters currently assigned to the lightning-caused fire.

With properties threatened by the fire, 22 structure protection personnel are on scene as well.

Evacuation orders and alerts remain in place through the Thompson-Nicola Regional District and Cariboo Regional District.

On Thursday, the BCWS dispelled rumours that 100 Mile House had been put on an evacuation order and the District remains under evacuation alert at this time.


(UPDATE: July 22 @ 2:20 pm) - The Flat Lake wildfire remains at an estimated 26,191 hectares today, but it doesn't reflect growth in the area from Tuesday onwards.

Although the mapping of the fire has not changed since Wednesday, the BC Wildfire Service did provide an update today to dispel recent rumours that 100 Mile House had been moved from an evacuation order.

Simply put, that rumour is not true.

"At this time, the BCWS has NOT made recommendations for the evacuation alert for 100 Mile House to be upgraded to an evacuation order," the agency said.


The status of Hwy 97 continues to evolve, but the latest update is that the highway is currently open south of 100 Mile House.

Today, heavy equipment has been working to gain access and establish indirect control lines on the east flank of the fire.

Crews in the southeast section of the fire are building an additional guard below Stormy Road, while work is also being done in the north to connect existing road systems near Gustafsen Lake and Neilson Lake.

There has been a bit of precipitation in the area and the BCWS is working to determine exactly how much rain the fire received.

"It is thought that it received more than 5 millimetres, which provides crews a day or two to take advantage of the expected lower fire behaviour to build guard and conduct other operations," explained the BCWS.

There are 81 firefighters, 53 pieces of heavy equipment and 15 helicopters actioning this fire, while 22 structure protection personnel are assigned to it as well.

(UPDATE: July 21 @ 10:15 am) - The Flat Lake wildfire, located southwest of 100 Mile House, continues to experience steady growth.

It's now estimated at 26,191 hectares in size, a growth of more than 10,000 hectares from Tuesday's estimate, although the BC Wildfire Service attributes some of that to more accurate mapping.

There are 62 firefighters, 53 pieces of heavy equipment, 14 helicopters and 22 structure protection personnel currently assigned to the fire.

The BCWS says the fire has advanced to Hwy 97 at 83 Mile and Green Lake Road, which is where many of the structure protection personnel are focusing their attention.

Evacuation orders and alerts remain in place from the Cariboo Regional District for a number of rural properties, while the entire District of 100 Mile House is still under an evacuation alert.

For more information on those, click this link.


(UPDATE: July 20 @ 9:10 am) - The BC Wildfire Service says "there was a small amount of growth" on the Flat Lake wildfire since Sunday.

It is now mapped at 15,838 hectares in size.

The increased activity came on the southeast section of the fire, but fortunately there have still been no structures lost, the agency said.

On Monday, crews worked with heavy equipment to establish control lines down the east flank of the fire, south of Bullock Lake Road.

In the afternoon, conditions finally permitted crews to begin planned ignitions in the area south of Bishop Lake and Eighty Three Lake.

There are 59 firefighters, 17 structural protection personnel, 14 helicopters and 64 pieces of heavy equipment

Evacuation orders and alerts remain in place from the Cariboo Regional District for a number of rural properties, while the entire District of 100 Mile House is still under an evacuation alert.

For more information on those, click this link.


(UPDATE: July 19 @ 9:30 am) - The Flat Lake wildfire, burning southeast of 100 Mile House, has grown over the weekend.

The BC Wildfire Service estimates it to be 14,000 hectares in size as of Sunday night and it's still considered an out-of-control interface fire.

Planned ignitions were tentatively planned for Sunday afternoon, but they did not occur due to unfavourable conditions.

Instead, crews conducted small-scale hand ignitions.


The BCWS currently has 35 firefighters, 12 helicopters and 64 pieces of heavy equipment assigned to this fire, as well as structural protection personnel.

Evacuation orders and alerts remain in place from the Cariboo Regional District for a number of rural properties, while the entire District of 100 Mile House is still under an evacuation alert.

For more information on those, click this link.


(UPDATE: July 16 @ 10:10 am) - The Flat Lake wildfire continues to grow.

It grew to 10,000 hectares on Thursday and the BC Wildfire Service said "aggressive fire behaviour" was observed in the evening.

Suppression efforts have been successful enough to slow the fire's movement towards Hwy 97 and as a result, the highway reopened on Thursday.

However, DriveBC warned that the highway could close again on short notice.

"Heavy equipment has been establishing machine guards and connecting to existing features, such as roads and lakes, which serve as natural fuel breaks," said BCWS.

"Helicopters will continue to support with bucketing activities today. Due to fire behaviour, it is difficult for ground crews to engage in direct suppression at this time."

The Cariboo Regional District has evacuation orders and alerts in place for rural properties around the fire, while the entire District of 100 Mile House is under an evacuation alert.

For more information on those, click this link.


(UPDATE: July 15 @ 10:50 am) - Hwy 97 has reopened to traffic 16 kilometres north of 70 Mile House.

It had been closed for some time due to the Flat Lake wildfire, which is moving east towards the highway.

While it is now open, DriveBC warns that future closures of the highway due to the fire are possible and could happen at very short notice.


(UPDATE: July 15 @ 10:15 am) - The Flat Lake wildfire continues to move east towards Hwy 97 at a significant pace.

It quadrupled in size on Wednesday, growing from 2,000 hectares to 8,750 hectares, and the BC Wildfire Service said it continues to experience "aggressive fire activity."

"The head of the fire and the majority of fire growth is to the east, moving towards Hwy 97," explained the BCWS. "Given current and forecast weather conditions, additional growth is expected."


Air tankers and helicopters are actioning the fire from above today, while heavy equipment continues to establish guards that connect to existing features, like roads and lakes, that serve as natural fire breaks.

"Structural protection specialists are on scene today deploying structural protection units with the assistance of ground crews," the BCWS added.

The Cariboo Regional District has evacuation orders and alerts in place for rural properties around the fire, while the entire District of 100 Mile House is under an evacuation alert.

For more information on those, click this link.


(UPDATE: July 14 @ 2:45 pm) - Interior Health says that six long-term care residents, two community care clients and nine acute care patients are proactively being evacuated from the 100 Mile House area.

Their relocation is necessary due to the fast-moving Flat Lake wildfire, which is estimated at 2,000 hectares and located southwest of 100 Mile House.

"The 100 Mile District General Hospital is not evacuated at this time, anyone requiring emergency care should proceed to this hospital as needed," explained an IH release.

Evacuation orders and alerts remain in place for rural areas around the fire, while the entire District of 100 Mile House is under an evacuation alert.


(Original story: July 14 @ 12:45 pm) - The Flat Lake wildfire, burning southwest of 100 Mile house, has doubled in size since Tuesday.

It’s now estimated at 2,000 hectares and the fire growth is primarily to the east, which means it’s moving towards Hwy 97 and 100 Mile House.

<who>Photo Credit: BCWS</who>The Flat Lake wildfire over the weekend.

“Low humidity and strong winds have resulted in significant growth throughout the evening and into today,” explains the BC Wildfire Service website.

“Aggressive fire activity has been observed today and has resulted in tactical evacuations.”

While the Cariboo Regional District already had an evacuation order and alert for hundreds of rural properties, the District of 100 Mile House has now issued its own evacuation alert.

It affects every property within the district because of the potential danger to life and health.

“An evacuation alert has been issued to prepare you to evacuate your premises or property should it be required,” explained a release from the District’s mayor, Mitch Campsall.

“Residents will be given as much advance notice as possible prior to an evacuation; however, you may receive limited notice due to changing conditions.”

Hwy 97 is also closed 16 kilometres north of 70 Mile house due to the fire and DriveBC suggests Hwy 24 and Hwy 5 as an alternate route.


On Tuesday, there were around 20 BCWS personnel battling the blaze with air support, but that number will likely grow today.

The BCWS has yet to provide an updated personnel count.

“Air tankers and helicopters are supporting with a focus on structure protection,” the BCWS said. “Aggressive fire behaviour is preventing ground personnel from directly actioning the fire.”

According to the BCWS, this fire was sparked by lightning on Thursday, July 8.

NowMedia will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.



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Tue
19℃

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Wed
15℃

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Thu
10℃

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Fri
8℃

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Sat
8℃

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Sun
9℃
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