Aug 25:

8:45pm

• It was a busy day for the team.  A couple systems were shored up on the East Side of the Lake, three structures that weren't protected yesterday are protected today.  Plan and assembling the system for two more places tomorrow.  Ran every pump and checked every system on the East side which seemed to mirror what BCWF was doing on the West Side.

• All pumps are fuelled and ready to go.

• Pink sky tonight, could indicate winds tomorrow.

• Forecasted to be warmer tomorrow 

• Communication person for BCWF got back to us with some detail around the SP on the East side.  "They want to come set up systems but won't be able for a number of days. The location is too dangerous to egress where the fire is now and with drying conditions. We would likely do it with a boat, but that takes longer."  They are focusing their limited resources where they see the most need.

• So we could have to get through this next danger period using personal equipment on the East Side, the west is set.

• there are people asking for pictures of their set-ups, unfortunately, we don't have time to go around and do that right now but it is on the list.

• Pumps are all ready to go at the lake but with the ground still damp from the rain, the plan is fir them to go quiet tonight.

Sleep Well!

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BC Wildfire Update:

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The Bendor Range Complex Incident Management Team has reduced the number of wildfires within the complex,and is now is command of the following wildfires:• Downton Lake (K71649)• Casper Creek (K71535)OverviewConditions today will be dry and a bit warmer but increasing smoke concentrations will likely degrade visibilities. Light outflow winds are expected and will be variable in direction,driven by slope and terrain. Friday may see thunderstorms develop late in the afternoon and overnight period, with max temperatures of 24C and minimum relative humidities of 25%. The warming trend will continue through the weekend into the upper 20’s and low 30’s.

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Downton Lake (K71649)Fire activity remains stable today on this fire, with minimal observed growth in the north andeast flanks. In the northeast flank, ground crews and heavy equipment continue construction of fire guard south of Tyaughton Lake, as well as using direct attack methods and tightlining the fire perimeter with heavy equipment guard. Pictured is an example of this tightlining in the northeast flank with Gun Creek Road on the left. In the southeast flank near Saddle Road, crews and heavy equipment are utilizing the roadway as a containment line, while tightlining the fire perimeter with machine guard and water delivery. Tightlining is a tactic that is used to secure the fire perimeter, building machine guards in close proximity to the fire when there is minimal fire behaviour. Ground crews reinforce this machine guard by using small scale hand ignitions to remove small pockets of unburnt fuel between the fire perimeter and guard line.

Structure protection crews continue to work within Tyaughton and Gold Bridge areas, completing structure protection implementation on properties and critical infrastructure. Crews have continued working through the overnight periods to monitor for spot fires and maintain structure protection systems on properties.The South Chilcotin Mountains Park and all Rec Sites and Trails in the vicinity of the wildfire have been closed.All Evacuation Orders issued by the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District remain in effect. Details are on their website.Resources assigned to K71649: 100 ground personnel, 15 helicopters (shared within the complex), 25 pieces of heavy equipment, 51 structure protection personnel, 33 support and Incident Management Team staff

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Aug 25:

4pm

• Been no wind all day, but the smoke is wafting in

• Warmed up today, Started very cool 8 c in the morning at the lake dew on the grass.

• Visibility had been very limited, but we have seen recon helicopters in the air several times, no bucketing helicopters that we have seen - perhaps in another area.

• Forestry pumps continue to be run for short periods of time across the lake - again what is believed to be them testing and potentially tweaking the systems.

• Had a nice conversation with a BCWF communications person who has become aware of the website, had called to see if they could assist us in our communications. 

• Thanks to some loaned gear, one more structure fully set-up on East side, and two others partially completed.

• Tarn was able to fix broken pump, wisely owners are still getting us a new pump and the other can be a back-up.

• Setting up systems will continue this afternoon on the East Side of Tyaughton and sounds like the testing will continue on the other side.

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Noon - Quick Update:

• Gun Creek Rd - Lots of action over there - it can be heard on the radios, but do not want to interfere so will give an update later when it can be seen.

• There were a minimum of 2 SP trucks on Tyaughton Lake Rd, pumps were heard for short times, so presumably they are testing the systems.

• Many of the properties have one Sprinkler on them, with the exception of the first ones they did. Unclear as to whether they will return to "beef" up systems or whether they have the assets to do that.  The sprinklers they use are strong and have good coverage, set to protect primary buildings, some secondary buildings would not have coverage.

• Tyaughton Rd East properties.  The three person team, visited all pumps, familiarized the crew with pumps and systems and then ran tests and assessed gas needs.  All pumps are working fine with the exception of one and owner is aware and is getting a replacement up to lake.

• This afternoon we are looking to set up systems on 3, potentially four additional structures on the East side, these are done with gear from people who are sharing.  The systems won't be fully robust but the team will do the best they can with the limited resources.

• If we see SP come to the East side we will pull out and let the pros do it.

• There have been so many fireguards put in around the lake and Gun Creek Rd and the widening of familiar trails it's almost unrecognizable.  Will post video.

• Lots of work to do so will update after some progress.

• Lake was very clear when we got here at 8:15ish but smoke rolled in quickly and now fairly smokey.

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7:45am

• There is reportedly a SP Crew that will be on Gun Creek Rd, and Tyaughton this morning.  Will connect with them, and see if we can understand what their continuing plan is for structure protection and whether it will extend to the East side of lake.

• For clarity the fire is South of the Blue cutoff trail that runs from East Tyaughton Lake Rd to Tyaughton Lake Rd.  It is also East of the East Tyaughton Lake Rd, burned area not visible from the road past the Blue Cutoff running North East. (Plan is to share a map this evening)

• The visibility is fairly good today, perhaps there will be more air support.

• No wind currently

• Forecast for wind from N, or NE not more than 3km, gusts up to 21Km.

• Cool outside

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12:45am

• Just back from doing a little recon of the area.

• Gun Creek Rd is looking good but lots of spot fires on either side of the road.

• Great news is, there was a water truck and a "night crew" out working the spot fires and keeping an eye on the situation.  

• Apparently that is the crew that would start all the forestry pumps if needed throughout the night.

• Gun Creeks bladders were full there were pumps and fuel by them ready to go.

• Tyaughton still has the bladders and forestry fire pumps on the West side of the lake, we didn't see anyone around but when we were on the lake we heard a water truck filling one of the bladders.

• We were told by a local Gun Creek resident that SP is coming back to add more gear to the road.  No word on Tyaughton.

• As reported before the BCWF SPS don't feel safe to do the East Side of Tyaughton.  There is a fear they will get trapped there.  Since the fire has moved up the east side of East Tyaughton Lake Rd, the likelihood of protection by SPS is diminished.  It is still unclear where exactly - will try to get a better idea tomorrow but it has traveled toward "5 mile ridge" and has burnt both sides of the road up the first hill on the East Side Road.  It has not gone any further on the left side of the road as you head in that road than the "Blue Trail" that cuts across.  They have widened  that trail into a fire guard.  There are quite a few spot fires through that area south of the guard.

• We did see some aircraft at the end of the day, one heli that we believe was recon, the other had a huge "bucket" but we believe it was filling a bladder, possibly up at the "TELUS Tower" but not entirely clear.

• Other than the spot fires at Gun Creek and the ones on Tyaughton East Rd, and Blue Trail, we saw no flames except what we thought was near Gun Lake but not big.  

• There are several guards that have been built/are being built in the area.  Maps are being posted in map section.

• Some big equipment working in the area.

• Very smokey

• No wind

• Chilly

• John A is okay

• Tomorrow is supposed to be another cool day, and a calm day.  The concern is the weekend, temperatures are forecast to be 30 and some winds from the NE.

• Will be a busy day tomorrow, preparing for the weekend.