UPDATE: Xusum Creek wildfire has decreased in size but is not contained

| June 5, 2018 in Wildfire

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(UPDATE: June 5, 2018 @ 7 p.m.)  - As of 1:08 p.m. on Tuesday, the Xusum Creek Wildfire has decreased in size to an estimated 483 hectares.

The successful suppression can be attributed to firefighter efforts and favourable weather conditions, BC Wildfire Service says.

BC Wildfire Service continues to respond to the fire with 40 personnel on site to extinguish hot spots. They are accompanied by a helicopter for support.

Due to the decreasing area affected by the wildfire, air support and heavy equipment are no longer required on site.

The Xusum Creek Wildfire below Highline Road is 100% contained, though the upper area is classified as "out of control" due to the steep terrain which deters crews from safely reaching the upper edge and fully extinguishing the blaze.

As a result of the limited access, BC Wildfire Service has taken a modified approach to the situation and will actively monitor the fire while establishing "trigger points" that will prompt action and additional resources if the fire reaches those landmarks.

The fire is 35 kilometres west of Lillooet. Residents may see smoke rising from the fire but it poses no immediate threat to nearby communities. 

(UPDATE: June 2, 2018 @ 8 a.m.) - Crews are still battling the Xusum Creek wildfire, estimated at 505 hectares, and still at 35% containment.

BC Wildfire Service says that the area below Highline Road is 100% contained.

This wildfire is listed as a modified response as the mid-upper sloped area is inaccessible. Furthermore, smoke will continue to be visible in this area of the wildfire, but it is to be expected as the fire is smoldering within the set parameters.

Crews consisted of 85 firefighters and two helicopters at the scene yesterday.

The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District has lifted its evacuation alerts and evacuation order. The BC Wildfire Service is urging concerned residents to consult the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District for further information regarding evacuations.

(UPDATE: May 28, 2018 @ 5:30 p.m.) - Progress at the Xusum Creek wildfire has made it possible for officials to rescind the evacuation order and the local state of emergency for the area. 

While the fire is still estimated to be 500 hectares and 35% contained, the danger has decreased to the point where it no longer poses an immediate threat to public safety, says the district. 

The BC Wildfire Service continues to respond with a high number of resources. Today, they have 112 personnel on site that are assisted by heavy equipment and air support if necessary.

(UPDATE: May 28, 2018 @  6:00 p.m.) - Good news for wildfire crews as the Xusum Creek wildfire remains at the same size and containment as last reported on Sunday. 

The wildefire, burning 35 km west of Lillooet, is currently an estimated 500 hectares in size and sits at 25% containment.

However, the fire is still considered out of control and remains a threat to structures in the area.

(UPDATE: May 27, 2018 @ 11:06 a.m.) -  The Xusum Creek wildfire hasn’t seen and change in size or containment.

The 500 hectare fire is still burning out of control with 25% containment.

Resources assigned to the fire overnight included three firefighters. Today’s resources include 64 firefighters, three helicopters, three pieces of heavy equipment and air tanker support if necessary.

(UPDATE: May 26, 2018 @ 10:09 a.m.) - The Xusum Creek wildfire has grown to 500 hectares, but the fire is not seeing some containment.

The fire is still considered out of control, but is now 25% contained after a successful day yesterday for firefighting crews.  

Overnight resources last night included 3 firefighters. Today's resources include 64 firefighters, 3 helicopters, 3 pieces of heavy equipment and airtanker support if necessary.

(UPDATE: May 25, 2018 @ 10:45 a.m.) - The Xusum Creek wildfire west of Lillooet is now estimated at 400 hectares after crews dealt with windy conditions yesterday.

Two properties on the Highline Road are under Evacuation Order. There are 29 properties under evacuation alert, including 25 at the McGillivray Recreation Resort, according to the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD).

Advance planning is being completed based on the potential path of the fire in the event of continued growth.

BC Wildfire will be using skimmers on Anderson Lake from today onwards as part of the air attack on the fire.

The SLRD is reassuring British Columbians that there are currently no injuries, deaths, or property burned at this time, despite reports. They add that this fire may be an indication of things to come for a potentially long, dry summer.

“Everyone living in or visiting our beautiful BC landscape has an active role to play in preventing wildfires by complying with fire bans and exercising extreme caution even when fires are permitted,’ the SLRD said in this morning’s update.

(UPDATE: May 24, 2018 @ 5:27 p.m.) -

The Xusum Creek wildfire has grown to 300 hectares in size, and is listed as out of control.

Structures are still not considered threatened at this time, according to the BC Wildfire Service, however an evacuation alert remains in place in the vicinity of the fire as a precaution.

There are 45 firefighter, five pieces of heavy equipment, and air support as needed at the scene.

The fire moved over Highline Road earlier, and crews are working to minimize growth in that area.

(UPDATE: May 24, 2018 @ 2 p.m.) - The Xusum Creek wildfire 35 km west of Lillooet is now list as out of control.

The fire has grown to 100 hectares in size and has moved over Highline Road. Fire crews are working to minimize growth in that area of the fire.

An evacuation alert is still in effect, although no structures are currently threatened.

There are 45 firefighters, and five pieces of heavy equipment responding. Air support is also being used as needed.

The cause of the fire is still unknown, however fire origin and cause personnel are enroute to the fire.

(Original Story: May 24, 2018)

BC Wildfire crews are responding to another blaze discovered yesterday, located 35 km west of Lillooet near Anderson Lake.

The fire is mapped at 25 hectares as of this morning and is still considered active.

An evacuation alert is in place for the nearby community of McGillivray as a precaution. Traffic control is also in place on the Highline Road.

More Info!

Ground crews and air support were on site yesterday and continued suppression efforts overnight. They will return to the site today to continue fighting the fire with the help of more air support if needed.

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