By Sunday morning, firefighters were mopping up the remaining hotspots, but early last week the 406 hectare wildfire at Big Bar Creek had firefighters, residents and the TNRD’s Emergency Operations hopping.
The only active fire in the Cariboo Fire Centre was reported on Aug. 21 and by 8:30 pm, the TNRD ordered the immediate evacuation of all residents in the area.
During the fire’s worst, 133 firefighters fought back the blaze with the help of four helicopters and five pieces of heavy equipment.
Overnight rain helped ease the immediate threat to life and property and the Evacuation Order was rescinded the following day. An Evacuation Alert, however, remains in place for the following area:
From junction of Jesmond Road and Big Bar Road, South to the intersection of Hidden Valley Road and Jesmond Road, including all properties one kilometre east of Jesmond Road to a point south of 9445 Jesmond Road, then west to include 8065 Big Bar Road and all properties one kilometre northwest of Big Bar Road to the junction of Big Bar Road and Jesmond Road.
As of Sunday morning, the fire was 80 per cent contained as 112 firefighters, assisted by two helicopters, worked on the steep slopes with hoses and handtools to put out the hot spots.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.