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
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
Stormy Daniels took the witness stand Tuesday at Donald Trump's hush money trial, describing for jurors a sexual encounter the porn actor says she had with him in 2006 that resulted in her being paid off to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
Former homicide detective explains how police will investigate shooting outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion
Footage from dozens of security cameras in the area of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion could be the key to identifying the suspect responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a security guard outside the rapper’s sprawling home early Tuesday morning, a former Toronto homicide detective says.
Jeremy Skibicki has 'uphill battle' to prove he's not criminally responsible in Winnipeg killings: legal analysts
Accused killer Jeremy Skibicki could have a challenging time convincing a judge that he is not criminally responsible for the deaths of four Indigenous women, a legal analyst says.
Bye-bye bag fee: Calgary repeals single-use bylaw
A Calgary bylaw requiring businesses to charge a minimum bag fee and only provide single-use items when requested has officially been tossed.
Air France flight from Paris to Seattle lands in Iqaluit after heat smell in cabin
A plane travelling from Paris to Seattle was forced to make an emergency landing in Iqaluit after there was a heat smell in the cabin during the flight.
CFL suspends Argos QB Chad Kelly at least nine games following investigation
The CFL suspended Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly for at least nine regular-season games Tuesday following its investigation into a lawsuit filed by a former strength-and-conditioning coach against both the player and club.
Boy Scouts of America changing name for first time in 114 years, aiming for inclusivity
The Boy Scouts of America is changing its name for the first time in its 114-year history and will become Scouting America. It's a significant shift as the organization emerges from bankruptcy following a flood of sexual abuse claims and seeks to focus on inclusion.
Alcohol believed to be a factor in boating incident after 2 men die: N.S. RCMP
Two Nova Scotia men are dead after a boat they were travelling in sank in the Annapolis River in Granville Centre, N.S., on Monday.
Security guard shot, critically injured outside of Drake's Toronto mansion
A security guard working at Drake’s Bridle Path mansion in Toronto was seriously injured in a shooting outside the residence early Tuesday morning, police said.