Firefighters are still chasing spot fires this morning, but the blaze is about 80 per cent contained. Photo by Lyonel Doherty
The 82-hectare Fairview/Willowbrook fire is approximately 80 per cent contained this morning.
Oliver and Willowbrook firefighters worked overnight to suppress the blaze that started in the hills above Greg Norton’s property Monday evening.
Air tankers and a helicopter assisted ground crews that were challenged by heavy winds. Although no structures were burned, the flames came close to a couple of homes, including Joel Malcolm’s on a ridge west of the Patten Road intersection.
Rob Graham, media relations officer for the Oliver Fire Department, said a couple of properties were on alert.
Graham estimated the fire was 80 per cent contained Tuesday morning, noting that heavy equipment built a fire guard.
He said that nearly 30 firefighters stayed overnight to action the blaze. The fire illuminated the night sky over the Town of Oliver.
“The wind was definitely a challenge. It changed directions a few times, which made it difficult. We had to be careful not to get trapped.”
Numerous spot fires were still burning Tuesday morning, which kept firefighters busy making sure the flames didn’t advance.
The BC Wildfire Service indicated the fire was in the mop-up stage, but Graham said they aren’t quite there yet.
Graham said the cause of the fire is still undetermined. There were no reported lightning strikes Monday night.
