By Abigail Popple, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, RMG
The Beaver River and Dunster-Croydon wildfires are listed as being held on the BC Wildfire Service dashboard as of Monday morning. The Regional District rescinded the evacuation alerts for properties near both fires later that evening.
The Beaver River fire is still at 500 hectares, according to the dashboard. However, the fire’s behavior has also subsided due to recent rain, which has allowed crews to make progress on suppression efforts.
According to BCWS, 59 personnel are responding to the Beaver River fire, along with 12 pieces of heavy equipment. Crews are patrolling the fire’s edge, and have established hand guards – control lines where fuel has been removed from the ground using hand tools – from the western side of Nevin Creek. Heavy equipment is also being used to bolster the hand guards, as well as to establish guards in the northeast corner of the fire.
Six helicopters are supporting suppression efforts in the area and providing bucket support at the Beaver River fire when needed.
The Dunster-Croydon fire is still estimated at 164 hectares large, but is expected to remain within its current perimeters. The fire has subsided due to rainy conditions over the past few days, allowing crews to make progress on fire suppression before warm and dry conditions recur.
Currently, 21 personnel are responding to the Dunster wildfire, along with three pieces of heavy equipment. Crews are constructing a control line along the north edge of the fire, from the east ravine westward. Crews are also engaged in suppression efforts in the east ravine.
Six helicopters are providing bucket support when needed. Crews are establishing helicopter pads so they can access the fire.
The Hailey Creek fire, across the Fraser River from the Dunster-Croydon fire, is also listed as being held. At about 120 hectares large, it is not projected to extend beyond its current boundary, and the fire behavior has subsided due to rain over the past few days.
Personnel are planning to establish guard along existing roads, and tying fireguard into avalanche chutes. Three helicopters are supporting incidents in the area, and being used when needed.
The Hailey Creek fire is being managed with a modified response, which is intended to minimize damage while maximizing ecological benefits from the fire.
Additionally, two fires northeast of Hailey Creek – named G31252 and G31250 – are listed as under control as of Saturday, July 27th.
