Low temperatures and rain have created favourable weather conditions for firefighters in the South Cariboo.
Cariboo Fire Centre information officer Jeromy Corrigan said that "Mother Nature is being very kind" and both the Moose Valley and Twin Creek Wildfires are now considered to be held. Corrigan noted he knows a lot of attention has been paid to the Moose Valley Wildfire, which remains highly visible to the public along Highway 97 and in the 108 Mile Ranch area as of Monday, July 29.
"The good news right now in the Cariboo and the South Cariboo is we're starting to see some precipitation which is some great news because it helps with fire behaviour for a number of fires around the Cariboo Fire Centre," Corrigan said. "It was a very productive weekend for BCWS crews and now crews are getting some help from Mother Nature."
The Moose Valley Wildfire was declared as being held on Monday, July 29 with Corrigan noting wildfire crews, aviation assets and heavy equipment had been working on the fire throughout the weekend. As of Monday morning, he said a 20-foot wet line has been established around 60 per cent of the fire, which is still listed at 290 hectares.
Corrigan said firefighter's efforts have been bolstered by about four and a half millimetres of rain that has fallen on the fire. He noted the fire is currently displaying rank one fire behaviour which has further helped the crews in containing it.
Meanwhile, near 70 Mile House, Corrigan said there is more good news concerning the Twin Creek Wildfire. While it is still around 285 hectares in size it was also listed as being held over the weekend.
"One hundred per cent of the fire has been wrapped in a dozer guard now and the bulldozers are just finishing up a blade and a half width guard," Corrigan explained. "Crews are just working on a thorough patrol to seek and destroy hot spots in the area on the Twin Creek Wildfire."
As of Monday morning both ground crews and heavy equipment are continuing to work on both major wildfires.
Looking ahead to the rest of the week Corrigan said he expects the weather to continue to be on the firefighters' side. While there is a risk of lightning strikes on Monday evening, temperatures are not expected to rise until the long weekend. In the meantime, he said firefighters will continue to action the remaining fires to bring them under control.
"The next few days are shaping up to be really good for wildfire crews. They are working on really all the fires across the Cariboo Fire Centre, which is great. It does sound like it's going to heat up over the long weekend, which will make things a little trickier for sure but it's a great opportunity right now for crews," Corrigan said.
