An update on the Mount McAllister and Red Deer Creek wildfire

The affected area still covers just a little less than 6,000 hectares and remains at 0 per cent contained.

The District of Hudson’s Hope says the precipitation that the town has been experiencing is not hitting the fire at the volume expected, however the Wildfire Management team is working hard to take advantage of the small opportunity provided with respect to the understanding that this fire is not dead.

Crews are also working to build dozer lines in order to protect life and property, as well as establishing water sources and hose lay, due to the fact that much of the fire is far removed from lakes and rivers.  

As a result, an area restriction is in place for the area surrounding the fire, with signage at Johnson Road and Moberly Forest Service Road indicating the location of the restricted area.

The district also says their primary concern is the safety of both community residents and fire crews, as they ask people to stay clear and respect the area restriction.

In the last 24 hours, there’s been 173 firefighters based out of the Chetwynd camp and are coupled with 89 support staff. Staff from a variety of provinces is lending a hand which includes B.C., New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec and Saskatchewan.

Meanwhile, the Red Deer Creek wildfire is 33,000 hectares in size and is currently 40 per cent contained.

Again, the 54 millimetres of rain the region has experienced in the last couple days in only having a minimal influence of the containment of the wildfire.

There are currently 200 firefighters on scene and 40 pieces of heavy equipment.