Updated: Bombi fire now roughly 35 hectares, still out of control
A wildfire just off Hwy 3 near the Bombi summit has grown from eight hectares to 35 hectares overnight, according to the BC Wildfire Service.
There are now 33 firefighters, three helicopters, and five pieces of heavy equipment battling the fire, which is still listed as out of control.
“Crews and equipment continue to make good progress on the ground. The spot fire yesterday was successfully suppressed and is under control. Crews wrapped sprinklers around the perimeter of the main fire to keep the area wet for the overnight burning period,” said the BC Wildfire Service.
“Yesterday, airtankers reinforced the west flank with retardant, giving crews the time they need today to work on hand building control lines in that area that is not workable for equipment guard. Part of the objectives today is to tie those hand built control lines in with an already established fuel free. Heavy equipment is working on the southwest corner to support ground crews as needed.
“Crews have also been actively working on another small excursion on the east side of the fire and have it wrapped in hose. Helicopters are returning to this incident today and continue bucketing the fire throughout the day.”
Previous coverage:
An eight-hectare fire 12.5 km southeast of Castlegar near the Bombi, called the Beavervale Creek fire, is still out of control, according to the BC Wildfire Service.
It is not an interface fire (meaning it’s not threatening any communities or structures).
BC Wildfire Service reports that 26 firefighters, two helicopters, four pieces of heavy equipment and one airtanker are attacking the blaze.
“It is showing signs of a moderately vigorous surface fire, which burns in the surface fuel layer on the forest floor, but below the tree crowns,” says the BC Wildfire website.
“Heavy equipment is working to contain the main fire by building a fire guard. Airtankers are supporting by laying down retardant while the machine guards are being established. Ground crews are actively working to suppress a spot fire to the southeast. Helicopters are on site providing support by moving crews and resources around the incident and bucketing water on site.”
The fire was discovered Saturday, and its cause is undetermined at this time.
There have been 950 wildfires so far this season, 301 of which are still active, 52 of which were discovered in the past two days. At least 38.5 per cent of the fires were human caused.
People are reminded that campfires are strictly prohibited at this time.
To date, there have been 186 fires in the Southeast Fire Centre,