Cooler temperatures have helped to stabilize two wildfires being closely watched in the Shuswap. 

Staff with the Columbia Shuswap Regional District's (CSRD) Shuswap Emergency Program (SEP) were able to confirm this late Wednesday afternoon, July 24, after viewing by helicopter the one-hectare Newsome Creek wildfire west of Sorrento, and the 260-ha Mara Mountain wildfire southeast of Sicamous.

"They did not observe significant growth on the Newsome fire, we continue to expect visible smoke as temperatures and wind increase," reads an update issued by the CSRD at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 25.

For Mara Mountain, Rank 2 and 3 (moderate) fire behaviour was observed in steep terrain inaccessible by ground crews.The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) "continues to indicate there is no threat to surrounding communities."

"Proactive planning for structure protection continues with the assistance of the Sicamous and Swansea Point Fire Departments," said the CSRD. 

Also on Thursday morning, Environment Canada issued a severe thunderstorm watch that included the Shuswap, with conditions "favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing heavy rain."

SEP has been assisting the Golden and Area Emergency Program in response to wildfires near Golden affecting Parson and Nicholson in Electoral Area A (Rural Golden.) Two evacuation orders are in place and evacuation alerts are in effect for properties south of Champagne Road. 

"The fire remains active. However, the weather is working in our favour," shared the Town of Golden on social media. "A shift in weather conditions including rain and a north wind are expected to help reduce fire activityº¦Ðß²ÝÑо¿Ëù¦

"Our focus continues to be on ensuring the safety of residents south of Golden and saving as many structures as possible. Unfortunately, we canº¦Ðß²ÝÑо¿Ëù™t report on the extent of damage to specific locations or neighbourhoods at this time."

For operational updates on any of the Shuswap wildfires, check the information on BC Wildfire Dashboard. For questions, contact the BC Wildfireº¦Ðß²ÝÑо¿Ëù™s Kamloops Fire Centre Fire Information: 1-250-554-5965.