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Wildfire service expands area restriction at Octopus fire near Fauquier

Smoke limiting visibility


UPDATE: 12:35 p.m.

There are 48 firefighters, four helicopters and nine pieces of heavy equipment tackling the Octopus Creek wildfire today.

BC Wildfire Service says the smoke is currently impeding most of the air support operations due to visibility and safety is a concern for the pilots and firefighters.

Airtankers will be utilized to support wildfire operations when visibility allows safe operations with the aircraft.


ORIGINAL: 6:49 a.m.

An area restriction in effect for the Octopus Creek wildfire near Fauquier has been widened.

The restriction reflects the continued need to protect the public in areas where ongoing fire suppression activities are taking place, the BC Wildfire Service said in an update Monday night.

The orders apply to Crown land from the bottom of Van Houten Creek following Van Houten Creek to Mista
Peak, then following the height of land north through Mount Shardelow, Hilda Peak to Mount McBride, then down Heart Creek to Lower Arrow Lake. Finally, south along the east shore of Lower Arrow Lake.

Failure to comply with the restrictions may result in a violation ticket of $1,150.

As of Monday night, the fire was estimated to have burned 14,238 hectares.

Fire behaviour remained fairly low due to lessening winds and the cooler temperatures from smoke blocking the sun.

Crews are focusing on establishing and reinforcing containment lines in priority areas.

On the north flank, firefighters are attempting to shift the wildfire upslope into the alpine and away from the community.

Evacuation orders remain in place for the vicinity of the fire.



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