There is optimism the 700 hectare Hullcar Mountain wildfire will not be growing any further north of the power lines in the Salmon River Valley. 

In an update shared at noon via social media on Thursday, Aug. 8, the Silver Creek Fire Department said a small portion of the fire had move slightly north of the power lines running northeast to southwest through the valley. 

"There have been crews up there most of the night and there are currently at least 24 BCWS (BC Wildfire Service) personnel actioning this area of the fire," reported the fire department. "Helicopter bucketing on this flank is somewhat restricted due to proximity to the power lines, but the crews up there have a hand guard in place and they do not expect any further movement in that area."

For Aug. 8 the BCWS reported having five helicopters, 10 initial attack crews, one rappel crew, one unit crew and operational field staff totalling 81 personnel actioning the fire. Heavy equipment and structure protection resources were also assigned to the fire. 

Three evacuation orders and four alerts remain in effect for properties near the fire within Electoral Area D of the Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD), the Township of Spallumcheen and on Splatsin and Okanagan band lands.

Earlier in the day, the BCWS reported its plans for the day included having heavy equipment work on a machine guard on the fire's east and north flank. 

"Ground resources are being supported by aerial resources and will be continuing to work on implementing hand guards on both the west and south flanks of the fire," said the BCWS. "Crews will be continuing to establish control lines to the north and east to establish working areas for heavy equipment."

The fire department noted if you are under evacuation order and you wish to return home to feed animals, you need to request a permit from the CSRD Emergency Operations Centre by calling 250-833-3350.

"Also, be advised that if you are on Evacuation Alert and you are not home when the alert changes to an order, you will not be allowed re-entry to your property without a permit," cautioned the fire department. 

Authorities began restricting traffic on Salmon River Road in and out of the evacuation alert/order areas on Wednesday. On Aug. 8, the CSRD announced areas of Salmon River Road and Deep Creek Road affected by the orders and alerts were open to local traffic only, and non-residents were told to avoid the area. 

"The safety and security of residents and property is paramount; and thank you in advance for your cooperation." said the CSRD in Thursday fire update. 

Traffic checkpoints have been set up in Silver Creek at Forbes Road in the north, on Felix Road in the south and in Deep Creek at Barney Road. To access CSRD properties on Deep Creek Road, traffic should enter at Deep Creek Road and Hwy. 97B. To access Spallumcheen properties on Deep Creek Road traffic should enter from the south.

As stated by the fire department, to access properties under evacuation order a permit is required. Permits are valid for two hours from the time of entry to exit from your approved location, and apply to only one vehicle per location. Permits will be issued to address the following:

• Critical Infrastructure or utility agencies may require access in order to service (ie. refuel, inspect) or make repairs to affected critical equipment and sites; 
• Members of the agriculture sector may need to make essential repairs to fencing, evacuate or check on livestock condition and care as required; 
• Community members may request access so they can retrieve important medication, or tend to their domestic animals. 

CSRD temporary access permit can be acquired here: . For questions call 250-833-3351.

For an entry permit within the Spallumcheen  evacuation order area, visit . Residents in a Splatsin evacuation order area may contact Splatsin Emergency Services at 250-838-6496.

Agricultural supports are available for livestock by calling 250-803-6697. For issues with pets, call the SPCA at 1-855-622-7722.

The Hullcar Mountain wildfire was discovered Monday, Aug. 4 following an overnight thunderstorm.