Here's how B.C. crews are using controlled burns to fight wildfires
With B.C.'s Keremeos Creek wildfire continuing to threaten homes and communities, wildfire crews are using controlled burns to contain the blaze.
The fire, discovered on July 29 southwest of Penticton, measured at just over 6,800 hectares Tuesday morning. In recent days, specialists have conducted planned ignitions to secure the perimeter of the fire.
Over the weekend, for example, crews were in the Olalla area, near ongoing evacuation orders. Mike Morrow, ignition specialist for the BC Wildfire Service, said the area has "very tough ground."
"In preparation for the ignitions, the crews began by digging handguard all the way along, stringing a hose fully charged with water," he said in a video posted online by the wildfire service.
"Once they had water they did a test burn to see what the actual burning conditions were."
Morrow said conditions were favourable so they continued down the line of the mountain right above Olalla to eliminate the natural fuel in those areas.
"Doing the ignitions in this steep, inaccessible ground, tying it off and cleaning up the area, it allows that area to be contained, mopped up and secured quicker, which allows residents back into their homes sooner," Morrow explained.
In its morning update Tuesday, BCWS confirmed more planned ignitions were conducted on Monday, with more to come.
"Helicopters and an ignition specialist will be on site again today. Hand ignitions will continue to bring the fire down to safe, workable ground for crews and are crucial for creating reliable containment. During operations, increased fire activity and smoke may be visible from Olalla, Keremeos and Penticton," BCWS said in its update.
"These ignitions are expected to be low-intensity and will serve to secure control lines. Helicopters will be standing by in all planned ignition areas to support operations, with structural crews monitoring any properties that may be adjacent to these operations."
More than 400 firefighters are assigned to the Keremeos Creek blaze. Hundreds of properties are under evacuation order and evacuation alert.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.
'I just want to be safe': Ukrainian man in Canada faces limbo amid consular freeze
A recent decision to restrict consular services for fighting-aged Ukrainian men has made a Ukrainian man in Canada feel less certain of his next steps — and worried he could be pulled back to the war.
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Dozens of U.S. deaths reveal risks of injecting sedatives into people restrained by police
The practice of giving sedatives to people detained by police has spread quietly across the U.S. over the last 15 years, built on questionable science and backed by police-aligned experts, an investigation led by The Associated Press has found.