Watching Creek wildfire near Kamloops continues to see low fire activity, BCWS says

Photo: BC Wildfire Service

A wildland firefighter works on the Watching Creek wildfire, located northwest of Kamloops, on Aug. 5.

Fire activity at the Watching Creek wildfire, which is burning northwest of Kamloops, remained low on Saturday, according to the BC Wildfire Service.

In a Sunday morning update, BCWS said the wildfire, estimated to be 270 hectares in size, continues to display rank 1 behaviour — a smouldering ground fire with no open flames, and a slow rate of spread.

“Crews are progressing well on mop up on all flanks of the fire,” BCWS said.

“Mop up involves establishing water delivery to the edge of the fire, hosing down areas of heat or flame and using hand tools to break up burning materials by moving around and inwards from the fire perimeter.”

BCWS said helicopters with buckets will continue to support crews on Sunday by providing water to cool the fire.

As of Sunday morning, there are 78 firefighters working to attack the Watching Creek wildfire, along with six helicopters and two pieces of heavy equipment.

The wildfire remains classified as out of control. BCWS said warming temperatures could cause an increase in fire behaviour, and smoke may be visible from Kamloops or surrounding communities over the coming days.