Calm winds limit fire growth, air attack against Finlay Creek wildfire

PENTICTON – Relatively calm winds are both helping and hindering the battle to contain the Finlay Creek fire between Summerland and Peachland today.

Heather Rice with B.C. Wildfire says 47 firefighters and 10 helicopters continue to work the blaze, along with 23 pieces of heavy equipment today, Sept. 6.

“Fire behaviour overnight and today is calm, because winds are calm, so that always helps us," Rice says. "We do have quite a bit of smoke, though, and we’re just starting to use helicopters this morning. Smoke will continue to impact that if it remains as calm as it is today."

The fire remains at 1,000 hectares in size, though it continues to be active on the southern front with an organized flame front, she says.

An area restriction for all Crown land in the vicinity of the Finlay Creek wildfire also went into effect at 9 a.m. today. The order applies to all Crown land within the geographic boundaries outlined on the map available online.

The area restriction means no one without authorization is allowed in the Finley Creek wildfire restricted area unless travelling through it or participating in a commercial activity within the regular course of business or employment on private or leased lands.

The order remains in effect until noon on Oct. 31, or until it is rescinded.

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