Shuswap Emergency Program Update – July 27, 2023 – 3:30 PM
Reduced fire behaviour is supporting firefighting efforts on the Lower East Adams Lake Wildfire today. Due to the improved weather conditions, the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) is saying there is no expectation of fire behaviour increasing at this time.
The reduction in fire behaviour is allowing BCWS to attack the fire more directly with air resources. This means aircraft are better able to work on the front of the fire, helping to reduce its spread.
- The area is still too unsafe for ground crews to work.
- BCWS is currently working with Interfor, a forestry company with interests in the area, to create a strategy for machine guards on the northwest to northeast flanks where feasible.
- Seven helicopters are assigned to the Adams complex of fires, which include the Rossmoore Lake, Lower East Adams Lake and East Bush Creek wildfires. BCWS reports two heavy-life helicopters will continue with bucketing operations on the fire today.
- BCWS notes where there is direct sunlight, there remains a potential for fuels to dry out and for fire activity to ramp up.
- The size of the fire remains at an estimated 2,000 hectares.
- Structure protection crews remain in the affected communities today, planning and triaging the area for the set-up of sprinkler resources.
The Shuswap Emergency Program (SEP) hosted a meeting for residents affected by the current Evacuation Alert on Wednesday, July 26. The recording of that meeting can now be accessed through the SEP webpage: shuswapemergency.ca
Photo: Aerial images of the South flank of the Lower East Adams Lake Wildfire taken from a helicopter on July 26 at approximately 10:30 AM. BC Wildfire Service
