Fire update - August 17

Cool day today, as  heavy smoke has rolled in.  High of 22C, but that was during a brief period when the smoke lightened.  It looked like it was going away late afternoon, but then came back even thicker.  As of 7pm, you could not see the opposite side of the lake, and the park trees were obscured.  The smell of smoke is pervasive, and most certainly an unhealthy level.  Travel to the lake right now is not recommended, check the webcam for the latest conditions.

The smoke level is similar from Prince George to Kamloops, parts of the Okanagan, Osoyoos, and the Slocan Valley (Castlegar, Trail, Nelson area).  The smoke at Hendrix Lake is NOT from local fires.


Moderate day for new fires with about a 20 started in BC.

There are currently 30 fires listed as "Out of control" in the Cariboo.

Alerts
The evacuation alert for Eagle Creek, Hawkins Lake, Lang Lake, and Murphy Lake has been rescinded.

Orders
No evacuation orders of note.

New fires include:
No new fires of note.

Existing notable fires:

This will be the last update for the existing fires below unless the situation changes for the worse.
 
Hendrix Ridge - still listed at 110ha and approximately 3.5km south of the tailing ponds - 3km due west from Stinson Lake. No official change on this fire.  As stated Tuesday, I believe this fire is out or at least "Under Control".

Map of local fires

McNeil FSR -  The fire just off of the top of the McNeil FSR is still listed at 117ha. I expect this fire is out.

Mt Hendrix - The two fires on the east side of Mt Hendrix are still "Out of control".  The fire east of McNeil Lake remains at 1.5ha.  The fire 3km west of McNeil Lake is still listed at 15ha, but still snows a fire perimeter slightly larger than the McNeil FSR fire.  It hasn't changed since Sunday though.  I expect they are both out.

Lang Lake South - about 3km south of the lake and 8km from Eagle Creek.  The fire is still "Being Held". 


2018 BC wildfire stats
June 20-23: 136 new fires, 12 still active
July 17-19:  64 new fires, 17 still active
July 30-Aug 1:  210 new fires, 111 still active
All of May: 125 new fires, 3 still active
All of June: 178 new fires, 15 still active
All of July: 309 new fires, 100 still active
All of Aug: 463 new fires, 300 still active

Current "Out of Control" fires: 276

Note: these stats are for fires greater than 0.01 hectares.  "Active" is any fire that is not "Out".