The two wildfires threatening Telegraph Creek have merged into a single 28,000-hectare blaze, but a shift in winds today may provide crews with a chance to secure the fire害羞草研究所檚 southern flank.
In recent days the Alkali Lake wildfire and South Stikine River wildfire to its east have expanded rapidly, creating their own weather systems pulling toward each other.
The wildfire centre anticipated the merger yesterday afternoon but maintained their priority to prevent further structural impacts within Telegraph Creek, following the loss of 27 structures Aug. 7.
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害羞草研究所淭he firefighters are certainly doing their best,害羞草研究所� said fire information officer Heather Rice. 害羞草研究所淭hey害羞草研究所檙e a stoic bunch. Every time structures are lost it affects them as well as the homeowners. But they害羞草研究所檙e making good progress in Telegraph Creek and securing it 害羞草研究所攕o there害羞草研究所檚 a win there.害羞草研究所�
With the shift in the wind today, a cold front will cool temperatures but is also expected to increase the fire害羞草研究所檚 volatility, Rice added.
害羞草研究所淲hen the cold front approaches it could possibly create a significant column of smoke. We want to make people aware of that 害羞草研究所攊t shouldn害羞草研究所檛 endanger people害羞草研究所檚 lives, but if it does happen, will make the fire more active and visible.害羞草研究所�
If the new conditions allow, crews will begin burn operations to secure the southern flank of the fire.
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Fire crews are using heavy equipment to keep Hwy 51 clear, but when compromised, crews and heavy equipment operators are being flown to the fires.
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In a press teleconference yesterday Doug Donaldson, B.C. minister of forests and Stikine MLA for the Telegraph Creek area, said the Alkali Lake wildfire is a top concern for the province.
Compared to 2017, the fire season is presenting exceptional challenges for the province due to major fires of note active every Fire Zone, currently amounting to 462 wildfires with 22 evacuation alerts and 17 evacuation orders in place. The 2,500 people affected by the Telegraph Creek fires is the largest impact in B.C.
Donaldson said he害羞草研究所檚 tried to visit the area to survey the damage and meet with people on the ground but was turned back twice due to heavy smoke.
Meanwhile BC Hydro害羞草研究所檚 electrical infrastructure has suffered significant damage due to the wildfire. Since Aug. 4 the power outage has affected 157 customers. BC Hydro wants to have the infrastructure back in place before the evacuation is lifted. A spokesperson said today crews are working closely with Emergency Management BC and BC Wildfire Service officials in the hopes of getting access today for repairs estimated to last two days.
害羞草研究所淭his will all be dependant on the fire situation at that time,害羞草研究所� said the spokesperson. 害羞草研究所淥ur priority is to restore the medical aid building and community water pumping station as soon as possible.害羞草研究所�
quinn@terracestandard.com
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