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Lladnar Creek fire now a wildfire of note
The Lladnar Creek wildfire near Sparwood has grown to an estimated 150 hectares and is now a wildfire of note, BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) reports today (July 24).
Discovered Friday, July 21, the fire remains out-of-control.
“Elevated winds have increased fire behaviour and activity on the Lladnar Creek wildfire. A response officer has flown the fire and the size is now estimated to be 150 hectares. A perimeter map will be provided Monday afternoon or early evening,” BCWS said.
‘Human life and safety remains the BC Wildfire Service’s number one priority. While the fire has grown and moved down from the ridgetop, it continues to burn in an area that is too steep and mountainous for crews to safely access. Suppression plans for this fire are being finalized. Ground personnel and heavy equipment resources are assigned and will be on the incident by this evening.
“While wildfire management relies on a fleet of reliable and capable aircraft to assist firefighters on the ground, there are several incidents where the use of aircraft can have unintended negative consequences. It is the job of experienced personnel on the ground, in the zone, in operations, and in aviation that must decide whether the use of aircraft can do more harm than good.”
BCWS explained bucketing in steep terrain “can wash burning debris downslope. Additionally, the heavy winds that helicopter rotors create can cast burning embers and start unintended spot fires that then also have to be suppressed.
“Bucketing operations or dropping retardant alone will very rarely create a fires edge. In steep terrain with the heavy fuels in this area, crews on the ground are needed to bolster the work being done by aircraft. When crews are unable to safely access a fire, the chances of bucketing having a negative effects go up.
“Public and responder safety is our number one priority and this includes the safety of the pilots. Flying is a high-risk activity, and sustained bucketing at high altitudes significantly increases that risk. As the fire sits now aviation resources will be unable to work directly on active fire suppression due to the increased probability of negative impacts, decreased likelihood of successfully achieving objectives, and the risk to both fixed and rotary wing pilots,” BCWS outlined.
BC Wildfire Service photo
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