The B.C. Forest Service is getting some traction in the fight against the Greer Creek forest fire.
According to the latest information from the fire zone, about 30 kms southwest of Vanderhoof but less than a dozen kms from the Stony Creek Indian Reserve, a large crew is now seeing some containment conditions coming together, although they are far from having the blaze under control.
As of noon Tuesday, 226 personnel are engaged in fire control operations assisted by 36 heavy equipment machines building guard lines, and eight helicopters bucketing water, said fire information officer Joyce Poulin.
"One hundred firefighters are working to establish a line of hose around the fire, which will dampen the area and allow crews to burn off any fuel inside and adjacent to the established fire guards. Favourable weather and winds have allowed crews to burn off fuel between the fire front and 10 kilometres of machine-built guard line," she said.
Cooler temperatures and higher humidity has helped firefighters to begin to link together isolated constructed fireguards to work towards containment of the Greer Creek fire. Currently the fire is considered to be uncontained, and approximately 5,200 hectares, or 52 square kilometres, in size.
"Strong winds and continued warm and dry conditions are expected today, with the potential for volatile fire behaviour. The safety of fireline crews remains the highest priority," Poulin said.
Fire control staff are planning to hold a public information meeting regarding the Greer Creek wildfire on Wednesday evening from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Friendship Centre at 219 East Victoria Street in Vanderhoof. The meeting is open to the public free of charge and questions and concerns are welcomed.
The fire danger rating remains high to extreme throughout the region. The Fire Centre urges the public to exercise extreme caution with any open fires or heat sources.
To report a wildfire or unattended campfire call *5555 on your cell or 1-800-663-5555. For more information on open fire restrictions or for updates on current wildfire activity, visit www.bcwildfire.
