UPDATE: Tremont Creek wildfire now being held at 63,500 hectares

NowMedia Staff | August 26, 2021 in Wildfire

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(UPDATE: Aug. 26 @ 10:40 am) – The Tremont Creek Wildfire is now being held at 63,523 hectares.

BC Wildfire Service said that means the fire is "not likely to spread beyond existing or predetermined boundaries under the prevailing and forecasted conditions."

Crews are directly attacking the blaze in the Forge Creek area south of Tunkwa Lake.

A tight line is being established there with heavy equipment, BCWS explained.

"A spot fire in the southeast corner is also being direct attacked," the agency added.

Photo credit: BCWS

"Crews are working the eastern flank, and specifically between Duffy and Dairy Lakes and in the Chartrand Road areas. The Dairy Rec Site is also being secured."

In the north, guard construction continues between Fehr Lake to Jimmie's Creek and patrolling is taking place between Fehr Lake and Sperm Lake.

Crews are also extinguishing "major smokes" west of Haywood staging, north of Fehr Lake, BCWS said.

Firefighters are likewise battling "islands of fire" in the Jimmie's Creek and Penny FSR area.

On the south flank, crews continue to mop up and patrol along the Logan Lake guard.

BCWS said it has 149 firefighters, 25 pieces of heavy equipment and dozens of support staff at the fire.


(UPDATE: Aug. 25 @ 12:40 pm) – The Tremont Creek Wildfire continues to be estimated at 62,523.

There are 163 firefighters, 54 support staff and 25 pieces of heavy equipment 

The Sparks Lake fire complex has 18 structure protection personnel and six helicopters available to support.

According to the BCWS update more fire resources are expected in the next few days.

“Quick progress is being made in some areas while other spots require more time and attention.”

Crews working in the Glossy Mountain area are directly attacking the fire while four crews work in the Forge Creek area.

The southeast flank has a guard established near Dairy Lake and Durand Lake.

Crews assigned to the head of the fire continue to extinguish hot spots they find by utilizing the hose lay system that has been set up.

BCWS explains that additional resources have been assigned to the northern flank where “crews are working islands of fire in the Jimmie's Creek and Penny FSR area.”

The Logan Lake area continues to be mopped up and patrolled as the evacuation alert continues.

Here are some of the latest updates (since Aug.20) to evacuation notices issued by the TNRD:

Visit tnrd.ca for more information.


(UPDATE: Aug. 23 @ 9:50 am) - As was the case for many of British Columbia's bigger wildfires, weekend rain was the big story for crews battling the Tremont Creek wildfire, which remains at an estimated 62,523 hectares in size.

According to the BC Wildfire Service, northern portions of the fire received around 10 millimetres of rain on Sunday, while areas around Logan Lake received two millimetres.

Crews continue to mop up and patrol along the Logan Lake guard and the District of Logan Lake remains on evacuation alert after the evacuation order was rescinded late last week.

The BCWS said there have been a few escapes from previous activity in the Glossy Mountain area that crews are monitoring and cleaning up as needed.

Another guard is being constructed from Fehr Lake to Jimmie Creek, while work is also ongoing to secure and reinforce a machine guard between Duffy Lake and Dairy Lake.

That includes using direct attack methods with water to establish a blackline of 10 feet, a task that will take several days to complete.

At this time, structure protection is being maintained on all structures north of Tunkwa Lake, but has been removed on structures to the south.

While the District of Logan Lake remains on evacuation alert, a number of other evacuation orders and alerts are still in effect through the Thompson-Nicola Regional District as well.

There are 102 firefighters and 37 pieces of heavy equipment assigned to this fire, while 47 support personnel, 43 structure protection personnel and 12 helicopters are being shared by fires within this complex.


(UPDATE: Aug. 22 @ 1:45 pm) – The Tremont Creek wildfire continues to burn at an estimated 62,523 hectares.

BC Wildfire Service affirms that there continues to be limited growth on this fire.

Today, there are 99 firefighters and 38 pieces of heavy equipment on site.

Crews are supported by the 42 structure protection personnel and 13 helicopters available through the Sparks Lake Complex.

Mop up activities continue near Logan Lake, which continues to be on evacuation alert.

Heavy equipment operators continue to work on the contingency guard south of Cherry Creek.

Photo Credit: BCWS
An aerial shot of Duffy Lake, located southwest of Cherry Creek, from Aug. 17

Crews working on the northern flank are constructing a fire guard and directly attacking the fire.

This morning’s update notes that “firefighters are working from Duffy Lake and Dairy Lake moving around the finger that is closest to Cherry Creek.”

Structure protection has been set up on infrastructure in the Dominic Lake, Face Lake and Paska Lake areas. 

Crews are also constructing another fire guard and directly attacking the eastern flank.

Two properties in the TNRD were downgraded to an evacuation alert on Friday, Aug. 20.

An additional five properties were also moved to evacuation alert on Thursday, Aug.19.

At this time, there have been no changes to any other evacuation notices or alerts issued by the Thompson-Nicola Regional District.


(UPDATE: Aug. 20 @ 11:34 am) - The evacuation order that was in effect for Logan Lake has now been rescinded to an alert. 

The Tremont Creek wildfire estimated to be 62,523 hectares, has crews engaging in direct attacks on the fire along Tunkwa Lake Road working northwest toward Duffy Lake, and from Duffy Lake to Dairy Lake. Air tankers continue to support work in this area by dropping retardant to bolster containment lines.

There are currently 60 firefighters, 10 helicopters, and 36 pieces of heavy equipment assigned to the fire. 70 Structure Protection Personnel are being shared within the complex

Alerts remain in place for some parts for the Thompson-Nicola Regional District and the District of Logan Lake

Road closure for Hwy 97C remains closed south of Logan Lake to the Hwy 8 due to wildfire activity. 


(UPDATE: Aug. 19 @ 9:45 am) – The Tremont Creek wildfire has declined in size.

BC Wildfire Service now estimates the blaze to be 62,523 hectares in size – down from the previous estimate of 63,980 hectares.

It remains out of control.

In its update this morning, BCWS said the new estimate is based on more accurate mapping.

The agency added: "Work on the contingency guard to the south of Cherry Creek has been completed, and heavy equipment is now working construct a guard closer to the fires edge on the north flank.

Photo credit: BCWS

"Ground crews are engaging in direct attack along Tunkwa Lake Road working northwest toward Duffy Lake, and from Duffy Lake to Dairy Lake. Structure protection is being maintained at Paska, Face and Dominic Lakes, and heavy equipment is working to establish a fire guard west of these communities.

"Ground crews will be engaging in direct attack on the north flank near Fehr Lake."

In Logan Lake, meanwhile, mop up activities are ongoing. 

BCWS said it has 60 firefighters, 10 helicopters and 36 pieces of heavy equipment at the fire.

There are also 70 structure protection specialists at the scene.


(UPDATE: Aug. 17 @ 12:48 pm) – The Tremont Creek wildfire is now estimated to be beneath 64,000 hectares once again. 

The BC Wildfire Service said it is now 63,980 hectares.

Earlier, the City of Kamloops rescinded an evacuation alert for Iron Mask and Pineview Valley.

"The fire received various amounts of precipitation beginning yesterday afternoon, with different areas recording amounts between 11-27 millimeters," BCWS explained.

It added: "Structure protection is being maintained at Paska and Face Lakes, and heavy equipment is working to establish a fire guard west of these communities. Crews will be assessing Dominic Lake today."

BCWS said the fire was most active on the east and north flanks on Monday.

"Heavy equipment is working to construct a fire guard south of Cherry Creek and structure protection personnel are maintaining a presence in the community," the agency said.

"Ground crews are engaging in direct attack along Tunkwa Lake Road where possible."

The northern flank of the fire – from Barnes Lake to Walhachin – is showing "very mininal to no fire activity," according to BCWS.

Crews are still patrolling those areas, however.

In its most recent update, BCWS said it had 60 firefighters, 10 helicopters and 37 pieces of heavy equipment at the fire.


(UPDATE: Aug. 17 @ 8:49 am) – The Tremont Creek wildfire was estimated to have grown by about 1,000 hectares last night.

BC Wildfire Service last estimated the fire to be 64,639 hectares.

Late last night, the agency said crews were conducting mop-up operations following controlled ignitions on the east and west sides of Logan Lake.

"Structure protection personnel are maintaining structure protection equipment at Face and Paska Lakes and will be deployed to Dominic Lake [on Tuesday]," BCWS explained.

It added: "Heavy equipment is working to establish a contingency guard on the north flank, between the fires edge and Cherry Creek. Structure protection personnel have also been deployed to Cherry Creek."

In last night's update, BCWS said it had 58 firefighters, 10 helicopters and 37 pieces of heavy equipment at the fire.

For the latest evacuation information, head here.


(UPDATE: Aug.16 @ 11 am) – The Tremont Creek wildfire experienced significant growth on the eastern flank yesterday.

The fire is now estimated to be burning an estimated 63,078 hectares.

There are 58 firefighters, 10 helicopters and 37 pieces of heavy equipment assigned to the fire today.

Yesterday, crews successfully engaged in planned ignitions “west of Logan Lake to remove fuel between the fire's edge and a control line.”

Photo Credit: Bc Wildfire dashboard

Structure protection personnel were sent to Face Lake, Paska Lakes and the Cherry creek community.

Air tankers supported these operations Sunday afternoon and crews will work to mop up the area.

The City of Kamloops issued an evacuation alert for 734 properties, effective Aug.15 at 7 pm.

The affected properties are located in the Iron Mask area, all of Pineview Valley and Versatile Industrial Park.

Photo Credit: City of Kamloops

An evacuation order was issued by the Thompson-Nicola Regional District for 166 properties in the vicinity of Cherry Creek.

This evacuation order went into effect Sunday, Aug.15 at 6:40 pm.

Visit the TNRD website to stay up to date with current evacuation notices.

Photo Credit: TNRD


(UPDATE: Aug. 15 @ 1 pm) – The Tremont Creek wildfire, which originated eight kilometres southeast of Ashcroft, is still estimated at 43,733 hectares.

There are 79 firefighters, 10 helicopters and 37 pieces of heavy equipment assigned to the fire today.

BC Wildfire Service explains that the fire experienced significant growth on the southern and eastern flanks yesterday afternoon and evening.

The Logan Lake fire rescue reported that no structures have been lost as they assisted on structural protection into the night.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Logan Lake Fire Rescue, Facebook

The agency reports that the perimeter of the fire is now within the northern boundary of the District of Logan Lake.

The District of Logan Lake expanded its evacuation order yesterday, Saturday Aug. 14, after losing power and having to move the emergency operation centre to Kamloops.

“Air tankers were supporting ground crews yesterday afternoon while crews and structure protection personnel were established in Logan Lake and focused on structure protection,” BCWS explains.

Planned ignitions commenced on the north side of Logan Lake to remove the unburnt fuel that was in the path of the fire.

BCWS affirms that these operations were “very successful” and crews will work to mop up the area.

Smoke impacted visibility in the Tunkwa Lake area yesterday which hindered the ability for air resources to help with suppression efforts.

However, structural protection has been established in the area and helicopters are supporting ground crews when visibility allows.

For updates on evacuation notices issued by the Thompson-Nicola Regional District, visit the website or their facebook or twitter pages.


(UPDATE: Aug. 14 @ 5 pm) – BC Wildfire Service is now reporting that the Tremont Creek wildfire has grown to an estimated 43,733 hectares.

At 4:30 pm, the fire was showing significant fire activity on the southern and eastern flanks. 

The main focus of ground crews is to secure structures in the Tunkwa Lake area.

There is 101 firefighters, 10 helicopters and 37 pieces of heavy equipment fighting this fire.

"On the southern flank, the fire’s edge is approximately three kilometres west of Logan Lake," explains BCWS.

Air  tankers have been sent to assist in the fire suppression efforts by dropping fire retardant around values impacted or close to the fire.

There will be 24-hour presence of structural protection personnel  and equipment in both Logan Lake and Tunkwa Lake.


(UPDATE: Aug. 14 @ 12 pm) – The Tremont Creek wildfire has grown to an estimated 41,188 hectares.

Today, there are 105 firefighters, 10 helicopters and 38 pieces of heavy equipment assigned to the fire.

There is also one structure protection specialist and 17 personnel setting up equipment and monitoring the fire.

Yesterday evening, the area saw heavy smoke which BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) says resulted in “decreased fire activity.”

The smoke also impacted air operations yesterday but those resources will be utilized when visibility improves. 

“The fire’s edge remains approximately seven kilometres north of Logan Lake,” explains BCWS.

Today, heavy equipment and ground crews will continue to establish a contingency line on the southern flank.

Photo Credit: BC Wildfire dashboard

Crews will work to widen guards without fuel, close to the power lines.

Crews will also continue to establish structural protection in the Tunkwa Lake and Logan Lake areas.

Structure protection personnel and ground crews remained on site overnight to monitor fire activity.

The evacuation order issued by the District of Logan Lake remains in effect.

The Oregon Jack Creek Indian Band also remains on evacuation order.

The Ashcroft Indian Band and Village of Ashcroft remain on evacuation alert as a “precautionary measure.”

An evacuation order was issued on Aug. 12 by the Thompson-Nicola Regional District for 10 properties on Tunkwa Lake Road.

For the latest updates on evacuation notices, visit this link.


(UPDATE: August 13 @ 10:12 am) - The Tremont Creek wildfire has grown again. 

It's now estimated to be up to 38,000 hectares, according to BC Wildfire Service, up from last night's 36,411 hectares.

"There was continued fire growth to the south yesterday, originating from both the south and east flanks," BC Wildfire Service explained.

"The fire is estimated to be approximately seven kilometers from the community of Logan Lake."

BCWS said structure protection specialists remained at the fire overnight.

"These crews will continue assessing and installing structure protection equipment today in Logan Lake and in the Tunkwa Lake area," the agency said.

"Air support from helicopters, water skimmers and air tankers was ongoing throughout the day yesterday."

Meanwhile, crews will also be working to establish guards on the south flank of the fire – south of Tunkwa Lake.

BCWS added: "There has been an increase in fire activity on the north flank in the Sperm Lake area.

"Crews continue to engage in direct attack while both crews and heavy equipment work to establish fire guards. Helicopters continue to support with bucketing operations."

The agency has 105 firefighters, 10 helicopters and 38 pieces of heavy equipment at the fire.

Evacuation alerts and orders remain in place.


(UPDATE: August 13 @ 5:11 am) - Highways around Logan Lake remain affected by the Tremont Creek wildfire.

Hwy 97D is closed in both directions between Logan Lake East Pit Road and Hwy 5. 

No estimated time for its reopening has been provided by DriveBC and no detour is available.

The westbound lane of Hwy 97C, meanwhile, is also closed.

The closure affects the highway between Brolin Road and Witches Brook Road. 

Photo credit: BCWS
The most recent perimeter map for the fire.

Again, no estimated time for its reopening has been provided and no detour is available.

Evacuation orders and alerts remain in place. 

See TNRD evacuation information here

Logan Lake information is available here

The fire remains out of control and its cause is still being investigated.

BC Wildfire Service lists the fire as being 36,411 hectares in size, but that is likely to be updated in the coming hours.

In its most recent statement about the fire – early on Thursday evening – BCWS said it had 97 firefighters, 10 helicopters and 38 pieces of heavy equipment at the scene.


(UPDATE: August 12 @ 2 pm) - The Tremont Creek wildfire is now an estimated 36,411 hectares, as increased fire activity resulted in the fire escaping containment lines in some areas east of Leighton Lake.

Controlled ignitions continued yesterday, on the east flank, between the fire perimeter of Tunkwa Lake Road in the Mt. Savona area.

These ignitions were successful in bringing the fires edge to control lines in an area that is workable by ground crews.

Overnight ground crews and heavy equipment remained on scene in the north and south to monitor the fire, and engage in suppression where possible. This was not a result of the controlled ignitions that were done eight kilometers to the north.

There are currently 97 firefighters, 38 pieces of heavy equipment, and 10 helicopters being shared between the Sparks Lake Complex, and structure protection personnel have been deployed to assess properties in the Tunkwa Creek area.

Evacuation orders and alerts remain in place for some properties in the area. 

Logan Lake has issued an evacuation order. 

The Ashcroft Indian Band and the Village of Ashcroft have issued evacuation alerts as a precautionary measure, and the Oregon Jack Creek Indian Band have issued an evacuation order.

You can find more information on these orders and alerts on the TNRD website. 


(UPDATE: August 11 @ 12 pm) -  Due to a combination of hand and aerial controlled ignitions executed on the west side of Mt. Savona yesterday, the Tremont Creek wildfire is now estimated to be around 33,238 hectares.

Smoke was highly visible to surrounding communities yesterday, but ignition operations have been quite successful and will continue today if conditions allow.

Control lines have been established along the power lines next to Tunkwa Lake road, down to and including Haywood Farmer road. The northern flank of the fire from Barnes Lake to Walhachin continues to show very minimal to no fire activity, but crews continue to patrol for hot spots in those areas. 

There are currently 99 firefighters, seven helicopters, and 38 pieces of heavy equipment being shared within the Sparks Lake Complex. 

Evacuation orders were placed on properties south of the properties along Hwy 1, along Haywood Farmer Road and Tunkwa Lake Road to the Tunkwa Provincial Park. An expanded Evacuation Alert recommendation has been issued by the TNRD and includes areas east of Tunkwa Lake Road, Tobiano and six mile Ranch.

There is currently no direct or immediate threat to the community of Logan lake which is 13km away from the fire.

For a full list of evacuation alerts and orders go the TNRD website. 


(UPDATE: Aug. 10 @ 3:40 pm) - The Tremont Creek wildfire remains at an estimated 36,724 hectares today.

However, that number should grow in the next 24 hours as the BC Wildfire Service is currently conducting a planned ignition for the east side of the fire.

"The purpose of this ignition is reinforce previously constructed machine guards," said a BCWS post, which added that smoke is visible to surrounding communities.
 

In the agency's latest update, the BCWS explained that the fire has been extremely active on the east and northeast flanks in Tunkwa Provincial Park, burning on the top and backing down the north slope of Mount Savona.

"The northern flank of the fire from Barnes Lake to Walhachin continues to show very minimal to no fire activity," the update said. "Patrolling for hot spots in the west and north flanks will also continue today."

There are currently 90 firefighters, 38 pieces of heavy equipment and seven helicopters assigned to this fire.

Evacuation orders and alerts issued by the Thompson-Nicola Regional District remain in place.

The District of Logan Lake is still not at an immediate risk of the wildfire, however, the evacuation alert remains in place.

An evacuation alert for the Ashcroft Indian Band remains in place while the Village of Ashcroft rescinded an alert.


(UPDATE: Aug. 9 @ 9:40 am) – The Tremont Creek wildfire, which was discovered on July 12, continues to burn out of control. 

BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) is estimating this fire at 36,724 hectares – a 6,118 hectare leap since yesterday.

There are 89 firefighters, seven helicopters and 35 pieces of heavy equipment working on this fire today.

“The fire was extremely active on the east and northeast in Tunkwa Provincial Park and is currently burning on the top of and backing down the north slope of Mt. Savona.”

There is also one structure protection specialist and 17 structural protection personnel assigned to this fire.

BCWS is reporting that crews continue to build guards near Tunkawa Lake Road and monitor the western and northern flanks

The northern flank, from Barnes Lake to Walhachin, continues to show minimal activity.

Overnight ignitions are still planned for the coming days but will happen according to weather conditions.

Photo Credit: BC Wildfire dashboard

The planned ignitions on the southern flank were completed successfully and the fire remains within the containment lines.

Evacuation orders and alerts issued by the Thompson-Nicola Regional District remain in place.

The District of Logan Lake is still not at an immediate risk of the wildfire, however, the evacuation alert remains in place.

An evacuation alert for the Ashcroft Indian Band remains in place while the Village of Ashcroft rescinded an alert.


(UPDATE: Aug. 8 @ 10:30 am) – The Tremont Creek wildfire, located 8.5 kilometres southeast of Ashcroft, has grown to 30,606 hectares.

Today there are 91 firefighters, seven helicopters and 35 pieces of heavy equipment assigned to this fire.

The evacuation order issued by the Thompson-Nicola Regional District for 17 properties near Tunkwa Lake remains in place.

The evacuation alert for 385 properties in Tobiano also remains in place.

The District of Logan Lake also remains on evacuation alert, however, the fire is estimated to be 13 km away.

Evacuation alerts for the Ashcroft Indian Band and Village of Ashcroft also remain in place.

BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) reports that the fire has been “extremely” active on the east and northeast flanks near Tunkwa Provincial Park.

The fire is currently burning on the top of the north slope of Mount Savona.

Photo Credit: BC Wildfire Service

BCWS crews continue to build guards along the power lines on Tunkwa Lake road.

“The northern flank of the fire from Barnes Lake to Walhachin continues to show very minimal to no fire activity,” notes BCWS.

Patrolling operations will continue today while planned ignitions will happen in the coming days as conditions allow, most likely during the night.

BCWS reports that large air tankers successfully placed fire retardant to protect infrastructure on Mount Savona.

Photo Credit: BC Wildfire dashboard


(UPDATE: August. 6 @ 8:30 am) - More properties have been put under evacuation order as the Tremont Creek wildfire continues to burn out of control.

BC Wildfire Service said late last night the fire was displaying "extreme" behaviour and had moved northeast towards Savona.

"The fire has jumped containment lines approximately 2 km due north of Leighton lake and is making its way towards Mt. Savona," the agency explained.

As a consequence, an evacuation order was issued by the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) for 17 properties near Tunkwa Lake.

Photo credit: TNRD

An evacuation alert was also issued for hundreds of properties in Tobiano. 

TNRD issued a separate alert for five properties.

"The fire is currently 6 km from Savona and is nearing the southern foot of Mt. Savona," BCWS said last night.

"New containment lines are being made to the north and east of Mt. Savona as well as continuation of guards in the south east of the fire below the Tunkwa Provincial Park. The fire remains on the western side of Lake Tunkwa and Leighton Lake.

Photo credit: TNRD

"The fire is currently 15 km north-north-west of Logan Lake and is moving in an easterly to northeasterly direction at a slow to moderate pace."

BCWS added that the District of Logan Lake is "currently not at imminent threat," but the area is under alert.

In its most recent update, BCWS said it had 71 firefighters, seven helicopters and 32 pieces of heavy equipment fighting the blaze.

The fire is still estimated to be around 30,000 hectares.


(UPDATE: August. 5 @ 11:30am) - BC Wildfire Services (BCWS) has confirmed that the Tremont Creek wildfire is now an estimated 30,000 hectares. 

The wildfire experienced moderate behaviours overnight and into the morning. Machine guards have progressed through Tunkwa provincial park in an attempt to gain containment and ensure the fire remains on the western side of the lake. 

"There may be increased smoke visible from Logan Lake and the Tunkwa Lake FSR, " reports BCWS. "A visible increase in activity is along the active flank on the eastern and north eastern side, is currently burning. The northern flank of the fire from Barnes Lake to Walhachin has very minimal to no observed fire activity"

The fire is currently 15 kilometres North-North-west of Logan Lake and is moving in an easterly to northeasterly direction at a slow pace.

The District of Logan Lake is currently not at imminent threat; however, an evacuation alert recommended by the BC Wildfire Service and implemented by the District of Logan Lake remains in place.

The Oregon Jack Creek Indian Band have also issued an Evacuation Order.

"Choosing to remain in an area that is under an Evacuation Order puts yourself, your family, and first responders in danger. It's not worth the risk. If you've been placed under an Evacuation Order, that means you are advised to leave the area for your own safety and for the health and safety of firefighters," says BCWS.

"People who remain in an area that's under an Evacuation Order may not receive assistance as firefighters and aircraft may not be able to reach you. If you are planning on staying, ensure your home is well prepared and you have a Wildfire survival plan in place."

There are currently 71 firefighters, 32 pieces of heavy equipment, 17 structural protection personnel, and seven helicopters being shared between the Sparks Lake Complex. 


(UPDATE: Aug. 3 @ 12:20 pm) – The Tremont Creek fire, located 8.5 kilometres southeast of Ashcroft, has grown to 27,624 hectares.

BC Wildfire Service explains that the fire continues to show “moderate” fire behaviour today.

BCWS reports that the fire is now 15 kilometres northwest of Logan Lake and continues to move in an east, northeast direction.

Photo Credit: BC Wildfire dashboard

The evacuation alert issued by the District of Logan Lake remains in place.

The evacuation orders and alerts issued by the Thompson-Nicola Regional District remain in effect.

“With moderate fire behaviour today and clever visibility, there may be increased smoke visible from Logan Lake and the Tunkwa Lake FSR,” reports BCWS.

Today, there are 33 firefighters, seven helicopters and 35 pieces of heavy equipment on scene.

They will continue to conduct hand and aerial ignitions to bring the fire down to existing guards and to reduce the chance of spots jumping the guards.

In the western flank, crews continue with mop up and monitoring activities.

There is also one structure protection specialist and five structure protection personnel monitoring areas where the fire is close to buildings while setting up protection equipment.

Photo Credit: BC Wildfire Service / Tremont Creek wildfire on July 21 during planned ignitions.


(UPDATE: July 31 @ 2:45 pm) - BC Wildfire Crews continue to work on the Tremont Creek blaze. 

It now sits at 19,990 hectares in size. It is still classified as out of control.

"Throughout the night and this morning, the fire progressed east and northeast through the Guichon Creek FSR and into the western edge of Tunkwa Provincial Park," BCWS said.

"The fire is currently 16 kilometres northwest of Logan Lake and is moving in an easterly to northeasterly direction at a moderate pace."

At this point, the district of Logan Lake is not threatened, though some evacuation alerts are in place. 

A total of 54 firefighters, seven helicopters and 30 pieces of heavy equipment are working on the fire. 


(UPDATE: July 28 @ 9:30 am) – The Tremont Creek wildfire's estimated size has increased once again.

BC Wildfire Service now calculates the fire to be 19,772 hectares – up from a previous estimate of 15,451.

"The size increase is inclusive of the last two days of growth," BCWS explained.

"Due to intense fire behaviour, continued growth will most likely occur."

BCWS also warned that the fire "continues to be extremely active" in the southeast and "will most likely continue to increase in size."

Photo credit: BCWS
The most recent perimeter map (July 28).

The agency added: "The northern flank of the fire from Barnes Lake to Walhachin has very minimal to no observed fire activity. The southwest corner near Barnes Lake and Highway 97C was a priority objective yesterday, with crews finishing the remaining planned ignition between the guard and the fire.

"Crews are working with heavy equipment and helicopters to build machine guard around the areas of growth in the southern flank to limit further growth."

The fire remains out of control and its cause has still not been determined.

For the latest evacuation information, head here.

In its most recent update – which was released this morning – BCWS said it had 52 firefighters working on the blaze.

They are being supported by eight helicopters and 32 pieces of heavy equipment.

Structure protection teams and the Ashcroft Fire Department are also assisting.


(UPDATE: July 27 @ 7:30 am) – An evacuation alert and order related to the Tremont Creek wildfire have been downgraded.

The Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) said an evacuation order is being downgraded to an alert for the following 60 properties in Walhachin: 

Meanwhile, an alert as been rescinded for the following 173 properties in Thompson River Estates and Semlin Valley:

Savona remains on alert, the TNRD added.

Photo credit: TNRD

To see a map showing all the evacuation information put out by the district, head here.

The BC Wildfire Service said this morning the fire is still estimated to be 12,061 hectares in size.

The agency said 60 firefighters, seven helicopters and 34 pieces of heavy equipment are battling the blaze.

It added: "Eight structure protection personnel are working a night shift to provide 24/7 assistance on the fire."

The fire remains out of control. Its cause is still being investigated.

BCWS has warned the fire may cause further disruption to Hwy 97C.


(UPDATE: July 26 @ 2:40 pm) – The Tremont Creek wildfire has not grown since Saturday and continues to burn at 12,061 hectares.

Yesterday, BCWS reported that a two hectare spot fire had jumped Highway 97C on the southwest flank of the fire.

Crews responded quickly and contained the hot spot around 1:30 am.

The main fire has not crossed the highway and crews will continue to mop up the spot fire today.

Crews will continue to “connect machine guard around this growth and connect it to the existing guard.”

There are currently 60 firefighters, seven helicopters, 34 pieces of heavy equipment fighting this blaze.

Photo Credit: BC Wildfire dashboard

The crews are being supported by two structure protection specialists and 58 structure protection personnel. 

There are also eight structure protection personnel working a night shift to monitor fire activity as much as possible.

Evacuation alerts for the Ashcroft Indian band and the Village of Ashcroft remain in place.

The Oregon Jack Creek Indian Band’s evacuation order also remains in place.

Evacuation orders and alerts issued by the Thompson-Nicola Regional District are still active for properties in Electoral Area "I" (Blue Sky Country) and Electoral Area "J" (Copper Desert Country).


(UPDATE: July 24 @ 4:15 pm) - Crews continue to battle the massive wildfire at Tremont Creek. 

According to the BCWS, the blaze is now at 12,061 hectares in size. It is still classified as out of control. 

"Wildfire activity continues to be expected to increase in the afternoons in some sections of the fire as hot and dry conditions persist, as well as strong afternoon winds."

With winds continuing to lessen, the BCWS doesn't expect major growth throughout the day. 

"Today, crews are continuing to patrol for hotspots and working on the excursion on the southwest corner of the fire. Crews will be supported by aerial resources and heavy equipment to build control lines around the excursion."

"Small scale hand ignitions will be utilized to remove fuel between control lines and the fire perimeter."

NowMedia will update the story when more information is available. 

(UPDATE: July 23 @ 11:00 am) – The Tremont Creek wildfire has grown to 12,016 hectares.

Yesterday, crews and structure personnel had a successful day of small scale hand ignitions to prevent hot spots. 

These operations were supported by helicopter bucketing and a retardant tanker truck.

Photo Credit: BCWS

“Today crews and structure protection will patrol the area, mop up hot spots and continue to reinforce control lines where possible. Danger tree assessment and falling remains ongoing,” explains BCWS.

Crews continue to work with local ranchers to contain a run in the northeast corner while building a second contingency line and mopping up hotspots.

BCWS says that “structure protection apparatus is installed throughout the township and on the bridge. Structure protection apparatus also remains active on the Barnes Lake Road.”

“Sprinkler activation has been very successful at keeping the fire out of community areas.”

Photo Credit: BCWS

There are 44 firefighters, eight helicopters and 32 pieces of heavy equipment fighting this fire.

Evacuation alerts for the Ashcroft Indian band and the Village of Ashcroft remain in place.

The Oregon Jack Creek Indian Band’s evacuation order also remains in place.

Evacuation orders and alerts issued by the Thompson-Nicola Regional District are still active for properties in Electoral Area "I" (Blue Sky Country) and Electoral Area "J" (Copper Desert Country.)

Photo Credit: BCWS


(UPDATE: July 22 @ 11:00am): The Tremont Creek wildfire saw significant growth due to afternoon winds yesterday, but an updated estimate on size can't be provided until smoke has lifted and visibility improves. As of now it still remains at an estimated 10,916 hectares. 

BC Wildfire Services confirmed that due to the strong winds in the area, they've had to pull back multiple times over the past few days for safety purposes. 

Crews were able to conduct aerial and small scale hand ignitions yesterday along the Barnes Lake Road, beginning at the start of Studhorse Road down to Barnes Lake.

Unburnt fuel in this area was burnt to prevent spotting caused by the increased afternoon winds. These planned ignitions were further supported by helicopters providing bucketing support as well as a retardant tanker truck.

There are currently 42 firefighters on scene, working alongside eight helicopters and 27 pieces of heavy equipment, these resources are being shared between the Lytton Creek Complex. 

The Ashcroft Fire Department overnighted the incident, and has been working to wet down tie piles. Structure protection was being put up in areas around the tie yard where the fire is anticipated to move down to.

CP Rail has also brought in a hazmat and emergency response officer to assess and secure the rail yard.

Today a line locator and heavy machinery will work to reinforce a guard on the east flank throughout the day and personnel will also be assessing the Guichon FSR for new guard lines, and to start moving equipment to this area.

As of tonight the Sparks Lake team will be taking over the Tremont Creek wildfire. 

An evacuation alert remains in place for the Ashcroft Indian Band and the Village of Ashcroft as a precautionary measure.

The Oregon Jack Creek Indian Band has issued an evacuation order, and the TNRD has issued evacuation orders and alerts for properties in electoral area "I" Blue Sky Country, and electoral area "J" Copper Desert Country. 

NowMedia will continue to update the story as information is provided. 


(UPDATE: July 21 @ 8:30 am) - The Tremont Creek wildfire has more-than-doubled in size over the past 48 hours.

The BC Wildfire Service now estimates the fire, located around 8.5 kilometres southeast of Ashcroft, to be 10,916 hectares and still out of control.

"Due to the persistent hot and dry conditions combined with strong winds on site, fire activity (has) increased," said the BCWS.

"Winds were estimated to be gusting up to 60 kilometers an hour, which lead to increased fire behavior and subsequent increase in rate of spread for this fire."

Photo Credit: BCWS

As a result, BCWS personnel, structure protection teams and heavy equipment had to conduct a tactical withdrawal from the fire and pull back to safety on Sunday.

Crews were able to return to the front line on Monday and patrol the area overnight as they prepare for a difficult week thanks to the expected hot, dry and windy conditions.

The BCWS currently has 43 firefighters, 20 pieces of heavy equipment and six helicopters assigned to this fire.

An evacuation alert remains in place for the Ashcroft Indian Band and the Village of Ashcroft, while the Oregon Jack Creek Indian Band has issued an evacuation order.

The Thompson-Nicola Regional District has both evacuation orders and alerts in place as well, which you can learn more about here.


(UPDATE: July 19 @ 6:40 am): The Tremont Creek wildfire is now at 5,000 hectares.

Yesterday, the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) implemented an Area Restriction Order around the fire.

Read about the order here.

"The size of the Area Restriction reflects the continued need to protect the public in areas where there are ongoing fire suppression activities," BCWS explained.

Read about evacuation orders and alerts related to this fire here.

Photo credit: BCWS

The fire remains out of control and its cause remains under investigation.

BCWS said hot and dry weather – combined with strong winds – continue to influence the fire.

Crews had previously been forced to pull back equipment due to the increase in fire activity.

The fire is now part of the Lytton Creek Complex fire.

In its latest update, BCWS said it was devoting 40 firefighters, five helicopters and seven pieces of heavy equipment to the blaze.


(UPDATE: July 16 @ 9:45 am): The BC Wildfire Service has provided an updated size estimate on the Tremont Creek wildfire.

The fire, burning around 8.5 kilometres southeast of Ashcroft, is now mapped at 2,120 hectares.

"Hot and dry conditions in combination with strong winds continue to influence fire activity on site," says the BCWS website.

"Yesterday afternoon when winds increased the subsequent increase in fire behaviour resulted in the heavy equipment being pulled back for safety."

Evacuation orders and alerts remain in place, which you can learn more about here.


(UPDATE: July 16 @ 5:45 am): The Tremont Creek wildfire near Ashcroft has remained at 780 hectares.

BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) officials said it remains out of control, however.

An evacuation alert for 50 properties in Electoral Area "I" near Barnes Lake has been upgraded to an order.

Hundreds more properties remain under alert.

To see details about evacuation instructions, click here.

Photo credit: BCWS

In its latest update, the BCWS said conditions remained hot and dry. 

Strong winds are also influencing fire activity. 

Firefighters have been forced to pull back heavy equipment due to the danger presented by the wind.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

According to the latest update, there are 23 firefighters and one helicopter battling the fire.

Resources are being shared between all fires in the Lytton Complex, however.


(Original story: July 14 @ 4:53 pm): The Tremont Creek wildfire is now a part of the Lytton Creek Complex, which includes the Lytton Creek and George Road wildfires. 

The estimated size of the Tremont Creek is 780 hectares, and it’s approximately eight kilometers southeast of Ashcroft. 

BC Wildfire Services has confirmed that the fire has issued an evacuation alert for the Village of Ashcroft and the boundaries surrounding Cache Creek.

The Thompson-Nicola Regional District has also issued an Evacuation Alert for 50 properties in Electoral Area "I" in Blue Sky Country near Barnes Lake. 

The cause of the fire is still under an investigation, and is currently classified as out of control. 

Photo credit: BC Wildfire

Heavy equipment and structure protection teams are on site, and other resources are being shared between the Lytton complex.

The fire experienced growth overnight and the Ashcroft Fire Department responded to provide structure protection support.

NowMedia will provide updates as they are provided. 

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