Multiple agencies continue to work around the clock to protect Spences Bridge, Cache Creek and the Village of Ashcroft and properties under threat from the Shetland Creek Wildfire.
An update from the Ashcroft fire chief Josh White at 11 p.m. on the night of July 23 expressed admiration and appreciation for all those working on structure protection, as well as those supporting them with food and supplies.
"I cannot say enough about these structural protection crews that we have staying in Ashcroft and Cache Creek," said White.
"The communication has been excellent, the work that they have been doing has saved so many homes over the past week or so."
With a minimum 12 hour shifts and extended periods away from families, he said people are giving their all to do what they can. He also went on to acknowledge the outpouring of support being provided by those being impacted by the fires.
"All of you have been so brave and met this challenge head on," he said.
"The love and support that has been shown towards the fire service and over all the first responder community has been tremendous."
He shared photos of the messages being put on the food deliveries for the front line workers.
On July 21, 200 head of cattle had been brought down into the village of Ashcroft, and White said structure protection fire crews would help keep the cattle safe should fire activity move closer to the community. He has since been getting lots of questions about how the cows are doing, and provided updates in the following days for the public on the sheltered animals.
"Removing them from the fire activity by driving them in a cattle drive down Hat Creek Road was something unexpected and unique to witness," he said of the impromptu cattle move.
BC Wildfire Services said the Sheltand Creek Wildfire is estimated at just under 20,000 hectares in size as of late July 23, 2024 and the main focus for crews is to establish containment where safe and possible to do so.
Crews are working to establish containment lines between the fire and Spences Bridge and west through the Oregon Jack Valley and towards the Murray Creek Drainage using heavy equipment.
Structure protection is also being set up through Spences Bridge as proactive measure.
"With the hot and dry conditions that we have been experiencing in our time here, we're definitely seeing erratic fire behaviour in the afternoons," said Jeff Walsh, incident commander currently manning the fire with BC Wildfire Service.
Gusty, late afternoon winds have been pushing the fire to spread quickly and spot long distances.
The fire had resulted in the closure of Highway 1 temporarily but the highway was reopened on July 23.
Another wildfire in the Hat Creek area, the Finney Creek Wildfire, was updated to being held by BC Wildfire Service on July 23.
Shetland Creek Wildfire currently has four evacuation orders and six evacuation alerts associated with it.
Winds of 15-20 km/h with gusts up to 40 km/h are forecast for July 24, though temperatures have dropped to more seasonal norms.
BC Wildfire Service said the fire situation remains dynamic, and conditions can change rapidly. More information on the status of the Highway 1 travel corridor can be found on DriveBC.
More information on Evacuation Alerts and Orders can be found on the EmergencyInfoBC webpage.
