Controlled burns continue to create smoke on the mountain west of Oliver. The fire is now 80 per cent contained, according to the BC Wildfire Service. Photo by Lyonel Doherty
Some good news on the Testalinden Creek fire – it is now 80 per cent contained, according to the BC Wildfire Service.
Fire information officer Rosalie MacAulay told the Chronicle that the increased smoke people are seeing this afternoon is from a controlled burn on the northeast side to remove excess fuels in the Togo/Reed Creek area.
MacAulay confirmed the 80 per cent containment figure, with the size being 4,300 hectares.
She noted the south end of the fire looks really good, with firefighters continuing to patrol and mop up the area. The northwest side also looks good, with firefighters extinguishing hot spots, she added.
Thursday evening was the first night they started nocturnal operations, patrolling the area, MacAulay said.
A total of 154 firefighters are on scene, with seven helicopters and seven pieces of heavy equipment.
Fire officials are still reminding the public about the area restriction order, which prohibits anyone from being in the area, especially hunters this time of year.
