Crews make gains on Coldstream Creek fire

ASHCROFT – A four-day old fire that was exhibiting aggressive behaviour earlier in the week is now 65 per cent contained.

The Coldstream Creek fire, between Logan Lake and Ashcroft near Highland Valley Copper, remains at 250 hectares in size, which it quickly grew to on Monday, July 20, when it was first discovered.

A total of 68 firefighters, two helicopters and 20 pieces of heavy equipment are working to control the lightning-caused fire today, July 23. Hand-guards, danger tree assessment and burn-off operations are taking place between the fire and the machine-guard set up.

Structural protection specialists have set up sprinkler systems to protect nearby structures and crews have made "good progress" in securing the area near the highway and close to the 24 properties affected by an evacuation alert, according to B.C. Wildfire Management.

Air tankers will continue to drop retardant as required.

Two other fires of note are burning in the Kamloops Fire Zone, one north of Adams Lake and the Cisco Road fire near Lytton. In addition there are fires of note burning near Falkland, West Kelowna and Oliver.

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